The Border Management Authority (BMA) arrested a minibus driver at the Lebombo border post between South Africa and Mozambique for attempting to smuggle 14 undocumented minors into the country.
The children, aged 14 to 16, were traveling without adult supervision when they were intercepted by vigilant border guards at Lebombo. A spokesperson for the Border Management Authority, Mmemme Mokgotsi, confirmed that the minors have been placed under the care of the Social Services Department. The guards stopped the minibus that was attempting to transport the children from Mozambique into South Africa.
“Vigilant border guards intercepted a minibus taxi attempting to smuggle 14 undocumented and unaccompanied children from Mozambique, aged between 14 and 16 years old, into South Africa through the Lebombo port of entry,” she says.
On Saturday, BMA officials intercepted a group of Bangladeshi nationals at the Beitbridge port of entry while they were attempting to enter South Africa illegally without passports. Additionally, operations at the Lebombo port of entry have resumed after a temporary closure due to post-election violence in Mozambique.
The unrest had caused delays, with cargo and travelers being stuck at the border.Mokgotsi confirmed that the disruptions were minor, and the port has resumed processing travelers and goods.
“The Lebombo Port of Entry has begun processing travelers and goods following minor disruptions that were experienced due to unrest on the Mozambican side,” she adds.
