Police conducting profile checks, address verifications on illegal miners arrested at Sheba Gold Mine
These verifications come after a series of court appearances following Operation Vala Umgodi, a massive police sweep that netted over 550 illegal miners in Barberton since last week.
On Wednesday, the case against 24 of the miners was postponed to next Wednesday to allow time for bail applications.
Most of the undocumented miners have chosen to bring private legal representation, even though the court has reminded them several times that Legal Aid is available for free.
"Some of the suspects indicated that they come from Mozambique, Zimbabwe, others are from South Africa. So, two [South Africans] of which were verified, they were granted bail of R2,000," said Mpumalanga provincial police spokesperson Donald Mdhluli.
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Next Stay Close ✕ Both properties were acquired in September last year and were allegedly approved by Khumalo, who was arrested for fraud and corruption related to the purchase of a boutique hotel in Pretoria North and a commercial building in Durban. The properties were valued at R22.7 million and R22.8m, respectively. Sources said that President Cyril Ramaphosa was briefed and has given the go ahead for the arrest. Crime expert and violence monitor, Mary de Haas, said the arrest, if it happened, would mean more officials could be suspended and arrested. De Haas said this could even expose why Khumalo and his co-accused have not been suspended. 'There are many interesting things to watch out for here. Khumalo and Major-General Philani Lushaba (the chief financial officer), have not been suspended. It will be interesting to see what happens to them,' she said. 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