The Border Management Authority (BMA) has expressed concern over a rise in the number of unaccompanied minors intercepted at South Africa’s ports of entry during the 2025/2026 festive season.
Authorities recorded a notable increase in cases involving undocumented and unaccompanied children attempting to enter or leave the country illegally. At the Beitbridge Port of Entry alone, officials intercepted 53 minors, some as young as three years old. One of the most alarming incidents occurred on 13 December 2025, when an 11-month-old baby was found abandoned at the border.
At the Lebombo Port of Entry, a further 15 minors were intercepted in mountainous areas while attempting to exit South Africa unlawfully.
Smuggling And Child Protection Concerns At SA Borders
The BMA also highlighted incidents linked to child smuggling. In one case, a Mozambican national was arrested after attempting to smuggle a South African child into Mozambique. Investigations later confirmed that the child had been reported missing in Johannesburg, and the suspect was handed over to the South African Police Service.
All cases involving unaccompanied minors were referred to the Department of Social Development. The children were placed in safe care facilities in accordance with existing child protection legislation.
In response to the growing concern, the BMA and the Department of Social Development convened an urgent bilateral meeting with Zimbabwean authorities. The discussions resulted in an agreement to improve parental awareness and strengthen joint screening procedures before children are reunited with family members.
BMA’s Biosecurity And Health Screening Efforts
Beyond child protection, the authority reported significant progress in managing agricultural and environmental biosecurity risks during the festive period. Officials conducted searches on nearly 370 000 pieces of luggage, leading to the seizure and destruction of unauthorised items including plants, meat, dairy products, fruit, seeds and spices.
Health screening efforts were also intensified, with more than 1.36 million travellers screened at ports of entry. These checks focused on diseases such as Yellow Fever and malaria, alongside the identification of fraudulent travel and health documentation.
Several ill travellers were detected upon arrival, allowing for immediate medical intervention. Prohibited and potentially harmful products were also confiscated and destroyed.
The BMA said the heightened measures were necessary due to increased traveller volumes and ongoing global health risks typically associated with the festive season.
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