The more than 490 alleged illegal miners arrested at the Sheba Gold Mine in Barberton, Mpumalanga, are expected to appear in the local magistrate’s court on Monday.
Four hundred thirty-four miners have been charged for contravening the Immigration Act and trespassing.
Sixty others have been charged for possession of gold-bearing materials.
The group was arrested during the police-led raid—Operation Val’ Umgodi, on Friday. Provincial police spokesperson Donald Mdhluli says efforts are being made to bring to the surface those who evaded arrest by going deeper in the mine.
“We are engaging with the mine security. Remember, it’s a private mine that is functional. So, these miners were allegedly conducting illegal mining activities alongside the legal mining that is taking place. We are also involving the Department of Minerals and Energy to come on board because it is their area of operation, so that, together in this collaboration, the team can be able to see the way forward.”
Operation Vala umgodi | About 1,000 suspected illegal miners arrested in Barberton:
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