Namibians among 96 minor miners arrested in South Africa 

… children suspected to be from Mozambique, Namibia, Zimbabwe and Lesotho

The North West provincial department of social development has confirmed that about 96 undocumented children had been arrested and detained as part of the illicit miners in Stilfontein.

According to the department, most of the illicit miners, including the undocumented children, are suspected to originate from Mozambique, Namibia, Zimbabwe and Lesotho.

The department of social development, which is legally obligated to protect children under the constitution, the Children’s Act and the Child Justice Act, has committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of the affected children.

“Based on the outcomes of the court proceedings, we seek to place all identified and legally declared undocumented children in accommodation, and provide for their basic needs while they are waiting to be processed in terms of the Child Justice Act,” says the department’s Bathembu Futshane.

Futshane says the court will, in terms of the provisions of the Child Justice Act, formally charge the children while they are placed in the safety of the department’s facilities.

He says the department has identified cultural mediation to assist with translations as language was identified as a barrier.

Futshane says the department has engaged the Zimbabwe and Mozambique embassies for the issuance of repatriation certificates and travelling documents. He says health services have been provided to the children and their rights have not been violated.

The department is conducting thorough assessments to determine whether the children qualify as needing care and protection.

Futshane says: “The department will continue to provide the necessary support until the repatriation process is concluded.”

– TIMES LIVE