'Smuggled' kids bust

ARRESTS: EXPOSED POROUS BORDERS, CHILD TRAFFICKING PREVALENCE

- Thando Nondywana

The discovery of children at Stilfontein mine has sparked concern after the standoff at the abandoned mine exposed the prevalence of cross-border child trafficking and exploitation.

The North West provincial department of social development noted around 96 undocumented children had been arrested as part of the illicit miners in Khuma Stilfontein, while three teens were among the 17 who surfaced on Thursday.

Margaret Zulu of Save The Children SA expressed concern over the possibility that the children were trafficked.

"This situation highlights the systemic failures that allow such exploitation to occur. It is deeply concerning that children end up in these mines without detection, despite the presence of authorities. This exploitation suggests the involvement of syndicates," she told the Saturday Citizen.

The organisation is providing cultural mediation and interpretation services for the children.