Massive illegal mining operation unearthed in Barberton
BARBERTON - Authorities have made a major breakthrough in Mpumalanga, uncovering what could be one of the largest illegal mining busts to date.
Close to 1,000 undocumented foreign nationals were retrieved from a mine shaft in Barberton, Mpumalanga, on Friday during Operation Vala Umgodi.
The suspects are believed to be illegal miners, some possibly underage, operating without permits or documentation.
These developments could constitute one of the largest illegal mining busts to date.
But how was it achieved?
Mpumalanga Police Spokesperson, Brigadier Donald Mdluli, discussed the case with eNCA.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Eyewitness News
9 hours ago
- Eyewitness News
Sheba gold mine: 2 out of 24 illegal miners released on bail
BARBERTON - Two of the 24 illegal miners who resurfaced from Sheba gold mine in Barberton, Mpumalanga, on Monday have been released on bail. The pair, both South Africans with valid IDs and private lawyers, were each granted bail of R2,000. The other 22 remain in custody and will return to court next Wednesday. The 22 still behind bars are mostly foreign nationals without passports and they face additional immigration-related charges. All 24 are also charged with theft, trespassing and possession of mining and gold bearing equipment. Wednesday's proceedings were over in minutes after the magistrate mad e the postponement for bail verification and the appointment of legal representation. 'Accused number 20 and 21 in custody, your bail is fixed at R2000 each, normal bail conditions.' The group is part of more than 550 people detained at Sheba gold mine in the past week under Operation Vala Umgodi. The initial 494 arrested last Friday appeared earlier this week and only 26 of them, all south Africans with verified addresses, were granted bail. ALSO READ:
Eyewitness News
10 hours ago
- Eyewitness News
Case against 24 Barberton illegal miners postponed
BARBETON -The case against 24 illegal miners who resurfaced from Sheba gold mine earlier this week has been postponed to next Wednesday for bail verification. The group is among more than 550 zama zamas detained in the past week, including 494 arrested during a mass police sweep last Friday. The miners made a brief appearance in the Barberton Magistrates Court on Wednesday. Monday's group of 24 is the third largest to resurface since last Friday's Operation Vala Umgodi, which targets illegal mining in the Barberton area. Another 30 were arrested the day after, many found hiding in the mine's tunnels. The 24, now before court, face multiple charges, including theft, trespassing and possession of mining and gold bearing equipment. ALSO READ: Twenty of them are foreign nationals without passports and also face immigration related charges. The magistrate postponed the matter to allow police time to verify addresses and other bail information. "Your case is reminded until the 13th of August for the appointment of your attorneys. Accused number 1 until 19 and 22 until 24 in custody, no bail." The initial group of 494 miners appeared on Monday, only 26 of them, all South Africans with verified addresses, were granted bail. The rest remain in custody, with more court appearances expected as police continue to bring miners to the surface.
eNCA
11 hours ago
- eNCA
NPA waiting for dockets to prosecute 24 Barberton zama zamas
BARBERTON - Hundreds of illegal miners arrested in Barberton are appearing in court. They were arrested as part of Operation Vala uMgodi in Barberton in Mpumalanga. Officials have been profiling their criminal histories, ages, and nationalities. The National Prosecuting Authority in Mpumalanga is also waiting on police dockets to bring charges against 24 miners who resurfaced on Friday. READ | 'I was in only in grade 8' -Former illegal speaks out as illegal mining deepens in In the meantime the drama at Sheba Mine continues. Two illegal miners surfaced overnight with one warning there are still more underground. Over 550 Zama Zamas have been taken into custody since Friday.
