Story by Theophilus Chuma
THE Government has dismissed allegations of a child trafficking racket allegedly intercepted at Beitbridge Border Post involving more than 400 unaccompanied children below the age of eight.
After allegations raised by the Border Management Authority (BMA) in South Africa, claiming it had intercepted 42 buses transporting 443 unaccompanied children from Zimbabwe to South Africa, the government has dismissed the charges, saying it is not aware of the incident.
In a post-cabinet media briefing in Harare this Tuesday, Information, Publicity, and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr Jenfan Muswere said the government has taken note of the allegations.
Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Minister Honourable Kazembe Kazembe said there is no record of the incident recorded at the Beitbridge Border Post.
“We have noted with concern media statements attributed to the
Minister of Home Affairs, Republic of South Africa, Dr Aaron
Motsoaledi, alleging that forty-two (42) buses carrying 443 unaccompanied minors were intercepted at the Beitbridge Border Post on the South African side.
“We wish to categorically state that no such incident occurred. If at all there was a case of human trafficking of minors, the buses, the drivers and the crew would now have been arrested facing human trafficking charges as guided by the Trafficking In Persons legislation common to both jurisdictions in line with our regional and international obligations. To date, Beitbridge Border Post has no record of any forty-two (42) buses denied entry into South Africa or 443 minors intercepted or handed over to Zimbabwe Authorities.
“If there is any information to the contrary, we hope to be advised through the well-established communication channels between the two countries. We are however aware that during the festive period, once schools close, Zimbabwean parents’ residents in South Africa, especially on the Zimbabwe Exemption Permits, which do not allow for the inclusion of any dependents, invite their children to South Africa for the festive season. It is a requirement that the minors travel with their guardians accompanied by supporting affidavits obtained from their consenting parents in line with agreed procedures,” said Minister Kazembe.
The government says it remains committed to cooperating with South Africa and the region to stem any illegal activities and ensure movement through the country’s ports of entry is done legitimately.
“Of late the South African authorities are not accepting commissioned affidavits, preferring that the minors and their guardians’ tender affidavits commissioned by local courts. As Zimbabwe, we remain committed to cooperating with our South African counterparts and the region to ensure that movement through our borders remains safe, orderly, and regular,” said Minister Kazembe.
Other key highlights emerging from the Cabinet meeting focused on key milestones to unlock value in the housing sector after a memorandum of understanding with Egypt.
Government also briefed the media on the progress recorded in raising awareness on drug and substance abuse among youths as there is currently a massive drive to combat the scourge of dangerous drugs.