Sheba Mine arrests climb to 550 as operation continues
Among those arrested are six minors.
The total number of suspected illegal miners arrested at Sheba Mine in Barberton has risen 550, including six minors. The operation to retrieve the miners from underground began on Friday, August 1.
Some of the arrested suspects are from the Kingdom of eSwatini, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and Lesotho, while others are South Africans.
ALSO READ: Another 28 miners surface at Barberton’s Sheba Mine
According to the Mpumalanga police spokesperson, Brigadier Donald Mdhluli, mine security and law enforcement continue to monitor the situation, but the full extent of the operation remains unclear.
Investigators are working in collaboration with officials from the Department of Social Development.
ALSO READ: WATCH: About 1 000 suspected illegal miners arrested in Barberton
Twenty-four of the suspects who were arrested on Friday were granted R2 000 bail each on August 4. The remaining suspects are expected to appear in court on August 11 and 12.
@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 suspects who were arrested on Monday and Tuesday are appearing in the Barberton Magistrate’s Court today, August 6.
Mdhluli also dismissed allegations that the police starved the illegal miners underground during the operation.
#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
“It has come to the attention of the police that there have been claims suggesting the suspects were denied food while underground, leading to perceptions of a violation of human rights.
ALSO READ: Barberton Court grants bail to 26 suspected illegal miners
The primary objective of Operation Vala Umgodi is to enhance safety and security in the area while addressing unlawful mining activities,” he said.
“As efforts by law enforcement agencies intensified, the smooth running of illegal mining was disrupted. The illegal miners above ground had to retreat and abandon their operations, which included supplying food to those still underground,” he explained.
#sapsMP [UPDATE] Today, Monday 04/08, law enforcement agencies, arrested 24 suspects at the mine in Barberton where other illegal miners were arrested on Friday, adding the number to 518 in total. A firearm, with ammo, was also recovered from one of the arrested suspects.… https://t.co/3fOwv2jl5T pic.twitter.com/R54IYgKzF1
— SA Police Service 🇿🇦 (@SAPoliceService) August 4, 2025
Mdhluli stated that the SAPS is fully committed to upholding human rights in all operations.
“The police operate within the framework of the law and always prioritise the safety and well-being of all individuals involved, regardless of their circumstances.”
Breakdown:Friday (August 1): 496 individuals came to the surface.
Monday (August 4): 24 individuals came to the surface. One was found with a firearm and ammunition.
Tuesday (August 5): 30 individuals came to the surface.
