The Border Management Authority (BMA) and the South African (SA) Social Development Department are engaging their Zimbabwean counterparts regarding the 33 intercepted undocumented minors.

The minors were intercepted along the Beitbridge border area earlier this week.

BMA Deputy Assistant Commissioner for Communication and Marketing, Mmemme Mogotsi, says the children are currently being assessed and supported by social workers.

Mogotsi says the aim is to re-unite them with their families.

“The BMA and the Department of Social Development have prioritised the structured engagements with their Zimbabwean counterparts, including border authorities and social development agencies. This is to facilitate information sharing, family tracing verification of identities, as well as the safe and lawful reunification or repatriation of the affected children. These engagements are also aimed at strengthening coordinated responses to prevent the recurrence of these similar incidents which are encountered during our festive period.”

—SABC—