Mpumalanga MEC concerned about illegal mining in Barberton

Illegal miners arrested at Sheba Mine in Barberton, Mpumalanga as part of the SAPS’ Operation Vala Umgodi on August 1, 2025.

Mpumalanga Community Safety, Security and Liaison MEC Jackie Macie has raised concern over the increase of crimes in the Barberton area, especially illegal mining.

Macie spoke outside the Barberton Magistrate’s Court following the appearance of some of the suspected illegal miners arrested on Tuesday.

He says they will work to ensure that illegal mining kingpins are also brought to book.

Macie says, “We have pleaded with our intelligence. They are the ones who can assist us and follow the market where the gold that has been mined here, where they are taking it to. Then it’s where we are able to arrest Kingpins because it’s a serious syndicate, it’s a network. Don’t take it like it’s easy to say, no, it’s just an innocent operation, it’s not an innocent operation, it’s a very serious and complex operation that we are relying on our security intelligence.”