ADIPLOMATIC tiff between Zimbabwe and South Africa is brewing following a dispute over child trafficking allegations with authorities sending mixed reports about the number of “unaccompanied” children intercepted at the Beitbridge Border Post last week.

According to reports from South Africa attributed to that country’s Home Affairs minister, Aaron Motsoaledi, 42 buses carrying 443 “unaccompanied minors” under the age of eight were intercepted on that country’s side of the border.

Zimbabwe’s Home Affairs ministry has, however, denied the allegations.

“We have noted with concern media statements attributed to... Motsoaledi... We wish to categorically state that no such incident occurred,” the ministry said in a statement.

The statement said the culprits would have been arrested for human trafficking charges as guided by the Trafficking in Persons legislation common to both jurisdictions in line with regional and international obligations.

The government said it was aware of incidents where children go on holiday to South Africa to join their parents working in the neighbouring country.

The government, however, said it would remain committed to co-operate with South African counterparts and the region to ensure that movement through borders remains safe, orderly, and regular.

In an interview with Newzroom Afrika yesterday, Motsoaledi said the department was in consultation with Zimbabwean authorities to conduct further investigations on the matter.

“I am sure they [authorities] can look for the drivers because they cannot just disappear into Zimbabwe. Many of them are in business and they cannot just stop,” he said.

“The fact remains that an eight-yearold is found in a plane, bus or car crossing a border with no other documents from parents or authorities except that child is carrying a passport. It is safer to regard it as trafficking until proven otherwise.

“Even if you can prove they are not being trafficked, what has happened is illegal and should not be allowed in any country.”

Unaccompanied child travellers (under 18) should have a copy of their birth certificate, parental consent letters, a copy of the passport and letter from the person who will receive the child in South Africa with contact details.

Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare minister July Moyo on Monday said between November 25 and December 3, 124 children were handed over to the department for not having proper travel documents.

He said the children were moved to a place of safety in the border town awaiting reunification with their family members.

Moyo said efforts to get the 23 remaining children reunited with their family members were underway.