21 suspected unlawful miners arrested after resurfacing at Sheba Mine – SABC Information

Another 21 suspected illegal miners have been arrested after they resurfaced at the Sheba Mine in Barberton in Mpumalanga. Some of them were reportedly found in possession of gold-bearing material.

Since last week Friday, more than 500 suspected illegal miners have resurfaced, and been charged with theft, trespassing and Contravention of the Immigration Act.

However, there was confusion when some suspects did not appear in court on Thursday.

Initially, police said 550 suspected illegal miners were arrested.

Many of them have already appeared in court, and some were granted bail, while others were remanded in custody.

“Yesterday until early this morning, we had a total of 21 illegal miners that were brought from the mine. Remember our operation is not starting there so they were brought by the mine security, and they informed us that amongst them 11 are from Mozambique, nine from Zimbabwe and one from South Africa. The other information they shared with us is that they were found in possession of gold bearing material so they will be charged accordingly and so you know a person that has been charged should appear in court so we are hopeful that next week they will appear at Barberton Magistrate’s court with these charges,” says police provincial spokesperson, Brigadier Donlad Mdhuli.

VIDEO | More suspected illegal miners resurface

On Thursday, there was confusion at the Barberton Magistrate’s Court when only 12 of 28 suspects appeared in court.

According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), 582 suspected illegal miners have appeared in court between Monday and Thursday this week.

“According to our records as the NPA, 582 accused have appeared before the Barberton Magistrate’s court. All those accused were arrested regarding the illegal mining that took place between Friday and Wednesday this week. Out of 580 accused that were arrested and appeared in court, only 28 were granted bail of R2000 each and the matter has been postponed to next week for profiling of the accused and possible bail application,” confirms NPA spokesperson, Monica Nyuswa.  

Most of the accused are expected back in court on different days next week. Their matters were postponed for profiling and to obtain legal representation.