Latest news with #BarbertonMagistrate'sCourt
Eyewitness News
06-08-2025
- Eyewitness News
Sheba Gold Mine says it's blocked all known supply routes used by zama zamas
BARBERTON - Sheba Gold Mine said it had blocked all known supply routes used by illegal miners, but admitted that the site's sprawling network of shafts and tunnels made it nearly impossible to seal off completely. More than 500 zama zamas have been arrested at the mine since last week, the focus of the police's Operation Vala Umgodi to combat illegal mining. On Monday, the first batch of 494 miners appeared in the Barberton Magistrate's Court on charges, including trespassing and contravening the Immigration Act. ALSO READ: - 28 more illegal miners resurface from Sheba gold mine, confirm police - Mpumalanga NPA waiting for police docket before prosecuting 24 resurfaced illegal miners - 4 of the nearly 500 illegal miners arrested at Mpumalanga gold mine are juveniles - Mpumalanga police arrest 24 more illegal miners at Sheba Gold Mine Only 26 were granted bail — the rest were remanded in custody until their next court date next week. Following Friday's mass arrest, another 24 illegal miners were detained on Monday and 28 more on Tuesday. Police said that these latest groups went even deeper underground to avoid detection. The mine said its underground system stretched for kilometres, with hidden access points scattered across dense bush and steep terrain. While all identified supply routes had been blocked, secret or makeshift entries were hard to detect and often re-opened by illegal miners. Security teams continue to patrol both above and below ground in a bid to flush out anyone still inside. Mine spokesperson, Hethen Hira: "For their own safety and for the safety of communities around us, it is illegal, unsustainable, and against the law. We need to put a stop to it." Official mining operations continue, but authorities expect more illegal miners to surface in coming days.
Eyewitness News
06-08-2025
- Eyewitness News
More than 50 zama zamas arrested at Sheba Gold Mine set to appear in court
BARBERTON - More than 50 illegal miners who were arrested at the Sheba Gold Mine over the past two days are expected to appear before the Barberton Magistrate's Court on Wednesday. The latest groups emerged after spending days hiding in the mine's underground labyrinth to evade police. It comes days after the mass arrest of 494 zama zamas last Friday, all of whom have already been through the courts. ALSO READ: • Two more illegal miners resurface from Sheba Gold Mine • Community members in Barberton claim illegal mining will thrive due to bribery • Sheba Gold Mine says it's blocked all known supply routes used by zama zamas Since last week's Operation Vala Umgodi, police have been methodically closing off shafts and escorting illegal miners out of the mine's vast network of tunnels. The latest groups of 24 and 30 surfaced under different circumstances, some walking out voluntarily, others escorted by private security after being found in the depths. Of the original 494 arrested on Friday, only 26, all South Africans with verified addresses, were granted bail. The rest remain behind bars, including dozens of undocumented foreign nationals who face additional immigration related charges. For many of them, even accessing legal representation will be a challenge. Police spokesperson, Donald Mdhluli, said that more miners may still be underground, some possibly injured or malnourished. "Within 48 hours, one should appear before court after being arrested, so we are working with the prosecutors to ensure that the ones who were arrested appear." With more than 550 people taken into custody since Friday, the Barberton Magistrate's Court is working through cases in stages, an unusual logistical burden for the small town.
The Citizen
06-08-2025
- The Citizen
Over 50 more suspected illegal miners emerge from Barberton's Sheba Mine
The illegal mining crisis in Barberton came under the spotlight again on Monday and yesterday, when more suspects were arrested after emerging from the depths of Sheba Mine in Barberton, Mpumalanga. This brings the total number of illegal miners who have surfaced to 550, says Mpumalanga police spokesperson Brigadier Donald Mdhluli. He explains that, on Friday, 496 people came to the surface (the number was revised as per their court appearance on Monday). On Monday, 24 people came to the surface, and yesterday, 30 people came to the surface. Lowvelder reports that, according to Mdhluli, mine security and law enforcement continue to monitor the situation, but the full extent remains unclear. Mdhluli says it is 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 says. 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. The state has indicated it will oppose bail for the remaining accused who have previous convictions or pending cases. These people 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. Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel. Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal. Read original story on
The Citizen
05-08-2025
- The Citizen
Another 28 miners surface at Barberton's Sheba Mine
The illegal mining crisis in Barberton came under the spotlight again on Monday (August 4), when 28 more suspects were arrested after emerging from the depths of Sheba Mine. This brings the total number of illegal miners who have surfaced from the area to 546. 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.… — 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… — SA Police Service 🇿🇦 (@SAPoliceService) August 2, 2025
The Citizen
05-08-2025
- The Citizen
Barberton Court grants bail to 26 suspected illegal miners
More than 480 individuals, including four juveniles, appeared in the Barberton Magistrate's Court on August 4 following a major crackdown on illegal mining. The accused are facing a range of serious charges, including trespassing, theft of gold-bearing material, and contravention of the Immigration Act. According to Monica Nyuswa, the spokesperson for the Mpumalanga National Prosecuting Authority, the accused were apprehended at the Sheba Mine in Barberton. ALSO READ: WATCH: About 1 000 suspected illegal miners arrested in Barberton 'The arrests were made on Friday, August 1, during a joint operation between Sheba Mine and the police. The operation is part of the ongoing, multi-agency initiative known as Vala Umgodi, which is specifically designed to disrupt and dismantle illegal mining syndicates operating in the region. ALSO READ: Over 1 000 illegal miners arrested across Lowveld 'During the proceedings, the court granted bail of R2 000 each to 26 of the accused. This decision was based on several factors, including the fact that they have no previous convictions, possess fixed addresses, and have no pending cases. These accused were strongly warned against committing any further offences while on bail,' Nyuswa said. #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… — SA Police Service 🇿🇦 (@SAPoliceService) August 2, 2025 Nyuswa also the state has indicated its intention to oppose bail for all other accused who have previous convictions or pending cases. The remaining individuals have been remanded in custody. The matter has been postponed to August 11 and 12 to allow for the verification of addresses and for possible bail applications.
