About 464 suspected illegal miners are expected to make their second appearance in the Barberton Magistrates’ Court in Mpumalanga today.
They were arrested at the Sheba gold mine two weeks ago.
#sapsMP [BREAKING NEWS] Approximately 1,000 illegal immigrants and illegal miners are currently being retrieved from a mine in the Barberton area.
SAPS is working closely with other law enforcement agencies to tackle #illegalmining activities through regular operations, visible… pic.twitter.com/AZjQYGubI9
— SA Police Service 🇿🇦 (@SAPoliceService) August 1, 2025
26 of the suspects were granted R2 000 bail last Monday.
The over 400 men will be in court for legal representation, possible bail application and for the state to furnish the defence with the contents of dockets.
The suspects are facing charges including contravening the Immigration Act and trespassing as well as possessing gold-bearing materials.
Over 550 suspected illegal miners have been arrested so far through the police’s Operation Vala Umgodi at the mine.
