MBOMBELA - Authorities are investigating cases of aiding and abetting after three facilitators were arrested at the Beitbridge Border Post.
This comes as the Border Management Authority concludes its 10-day Easter operations.
Commissioner Michael Masiapato says at least 12 minors, aged between three and 12, were intercepted over the past two days while attempting to enter South Africa illegally.
In total, more than 500 people have been intercepted trying to cross illegally at Beitbridge over the past nine days.
READ: SA, Zimbabwe to meet over surge in undocumented children at Beitbridge
Masiapato explains that when individuals are intercepted -- either at the port of entry or outside it -- they are brought to the port where their fingerprints are taken and captured on the system.
They are then declared undesirable and “V-listed”, meaning they will be barred from re-entering South Africa for five years.
He says the processing and deportation of individuals can take as little as 30 minutes, depending on capacity.
Once deported, individuals are handed over to immigration authorities in the neighbouring country, where their details are recorded to confirm the transfer.
READ: Illegal crossing syndicates thrive at SA's busiest border
However, cases involving minors are more complex.
Intercepted children are handed over to the Department of Social Development and placed in a place of safety.
Authorities then work with their counterparts in neighbouring countries to reunite them with their families.
Masiapato says in cases where an adult claims a child without documentation, officials cannot immediately verify the relationship.
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This is to prevent the risk of child trafficking.
He adds that one of the key challenges is affordability, particularly in Zimbabwe, where many cannot afford passports.
Others avoid using their passports frequently to prevent them from filling up.
Masiapato says South Africa remains a major destination for economic opportunities, with most undocumented migrants coming from Zimbabwe, Mozambique and Lesotho.
He says authorities recognise that economic pressures in neighbouring countries continue to drive migration into South Africa.