Another 28 miners surface at Barberton's Sheba Mine
According to Mpumalanga police spokesperson Brigadier Donald Mdhluli, mine security and law enforcement continue to monitor the situation, but the full extent remains unclear.
ALSO READ: WATCH: About 1 000 suspected illegal miners arrested in Barberton
'The 28 suspects were arrested at the mine in Barberton, where 518 alleged illegal miners were taken into custody on Friday, bringing the total to 546. A firearm and ammunition were also recovered from one of the suspects, who will be charged accordingly,' he said.
#sapsMP [UPDATE] Today, Monday 04/08, law enforcement agencies, arrested 24 suspects at the mine in Barberton where other illegal miners were arrested on Friday, adding the number to 518 in total. A firearm, with ammo, was also recovered from one of the arrested suspects.… https://t.co/3fOwv2jl5T pic.twitter.com/R54IYgKzF1
— SA Police Service 🇿🇦 (@SAPoliceService) August 4, 2025
Mdhluli added that it remains difficult to determine how many people might still be underground.
'We'll keep monitoring. As we're not there physically, I can't confirm whether anyone remains underground. The lack of definitive information highlights the undercover nature of these operations and the challenges authorities face in tackling them,' he said.
Meanwhile, the Barberton Magistrate's Court has granted bail of R2 000 each to 26 of the accused.
The decision was based on several factors, including that they have no prior convictions, fixed addresses and no pending cases. They were strongly warned against reoffending while on bail.
ALSO READ: Barberton Court grants bail to 26 suspected illegal miners
The state has indicated it will oppose bail for the remaining accused who have previous convictions or pending cases.
These individuals have been remanded in custody. The matter has been postponed to August 11 and 12 to allow for address verification and possible further bail applications.
#sapsMP [DEVELOPING] Approximately 1000 (or even more) illegal immigrants were apprehended at a certain mine in Barberton today, Friday 01/08 during Operation Vala Umgodi.
The collaboration between the National Roving team, K9 (Dog) Unit, Task Force, Vukalanga Security, members… pic.twitter.com/Ysth23WxvT
— SA Police Service 🇿🇦 (@SAPoliceService) August 2, 2025
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