South African authorities halted the entry of 443 children, all under eight years old, who were being transported in over 40 buses from Zimbabwe.
The interception occurred at the Beitbridge border post during a joint operation by the South African Border Management Authority (BMA) and the police.
Commissioner Michael Masiapato of the BMA revealed that although the children possessed passports, they lacked necessary documentation such as parental consent as per regulations for unaccompanied minors.
Initially claimed to be headed for a sports event, reports indicated the children were sent by their Zimbabwean grandparents to join their parents in South Africa.
Masiapato asserted that this constituted trafficking, prompting their immediate return to Zimbabwe in coordination with officials there.
Highlighting the severity of human trafficking, Masiapato pledged ongoing vigilance, especially during the holiday season.
With a significant number of Zimbabweans residing in South Africa, the intercepted children were presumed to be reuniting with their parents for Christmas after school closures.
South Africa has faced challenges stemming from an influx of illegal migrants through its northern border with Zimbabwe.
Source-BBC
