Fourteen children from Tsholotsho District, Matabeleland North Province, are reportedly being held in Botswana after being intercepted on August 10 while attempting to travel to South Africa without proper documentation.
The children, students from Mahole and Hondola primary schools and Mavela, Tshithatshawa, and John Landa secondary schools, were being transported by a cross-border operator.
One parent revealed that she paid ZAR 1,000 to send her child to South Africa without a passport, and now faces challenges in securing her release.
She shared that Botswana authorities required DNA tests to confirm parentage, and parents are not allowed to see their children due to concerns about causing trauma.
The case has been taken to court, and the children are currently under the care of Botswana’s social welfare department in Tutume. Parents are increasingly worried as their children are missing valuable school time, especially those in exam classes.
Esau Siwela, former Tsholotsho Rural District Council chairperson, has appealed to the government for help, stressing the urgent need to bring the children back home.
He detailed the steps parents have taken to prove their parentage, including providing affidavits and undergoing DNA tests. Despite these efforts, the process has been delayed.
Home Affairs permanent secretary Raphael Tayerera Faranisi explained that this matter falls under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as it involves another country. Attempts to reach the Ministry for comment were unsuccessful.
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