WATCH: About 1 000 suspected illegal miners arrested in Barberton
Many of the suspects are believed to be undocumented foreign nationals.
Police in Mpumalanga arrested more than 1 000 people suspected of involvement in illegal mining in Barberton on Friday, August 1.
The arrests followed a crackdown launched on Monday, July 28, under the banner of Operation Vala Umgodi.
Many of those taken into custody are reportedly young children.
According to provincial police spokesperson Brigadier Donald Mdhluli, the arrests were the result of a joint effort by the National Roving Team, K9 Unit, Vukalanga Security, and members of the Combat and Proactive team.
@lowvelder About 1 000 illegal miners, believed to be undocumented foreign nationals, are being retrieved from a mine in the Barberton area, according to Brigadier Donald Mdhluli. This is a developing story, and Lowvelder will keep readers updated. #illegalminers > Video: Supplied #zamazama #barberton #mining #foreign
“The operation was coordinated and carried out successfully. Pressure from law enforcement agencies disrupted the illegal mining activities and forced the suspects to resurface,” he said.
Foreign nationals without valid documentation
Mdhluli added that initial investigations indicate many of the suspects are foreign nationals without valid documentation, and a significant number appear to be underage.
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Ongoing investigations are being carried out in collaboration with officials of the Department of Home Affairs, the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy, the National Prosecuting Authority and other law enforcement agencies.
Mdhluli said the nationalities of those arrested are still being confirmed.
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The suspects are expected to be charged with contravening the Immigration Act, as well as offences related to illegal mining and trespassing. Additional charges may follow as investigations continue.
Arrests welcomed
The arrests were welcomed by Mpumalanga’s MEC for Community Safety, Security and Liaison, Jackie Macie, who said the operation highlights government’s commitment to fighting crime.
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According to Macie, the unauthorised entry of people into the country negatively affects the safety and security of communities. He added that investigating crimes involving undocumented foreign nationals presents significant challenges.
“The movement of illegal immigrants contributes to a rise in undetected crime. I acknowledge the devastating impact of illegal mining and its long-term effects on the environment,” he said.
“We welcome the efforts of the police and all roleplayers involved in Friday’s operation. However, we also urge police to go after those directing illegal mining operations. Communities should refrain from harbouring zama zamas and report them to the police,” he concluded.
#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… pic.twitter.com/Ysth23WxvT
— SA Police Service 🇿🇦 (@SAPoliceService) August 2, 2025
