More than 480 individuals, including four juveniles, appeared in the Barberton Magistrate’s Court on August 4 following a major crackdown on illegal mining.

The accused are facing a range of serious charges, including trespassing, theft of gold-bearing material, and contravention of the Immigration Act.

According to Monica Nyuswa, the spokesperson for the Mpumalanga National Prosecuting Authority, the accused were apprehended at the Sheba Mine in Barberton.

ALSO READ: WATCH: About 1 000 suspected illegal miners arrested in Barberton

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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

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“The arrests were made on Friday, August 1, during a joint operation between Sheba Mine and the police. The operation is part of the ongoing, multi-agency initiative known as Vala Umgodi, which is specifically designed to disrupt and dismantle illegal mining syndicates operating in the region.

ALSO READ: Over 1 000 illegal miners arrested across Lowveld

“During the proceedings, the court granted bail of R2 000 each to 26 of the accused. This decision was based on several factors, including the fact that they have no previous convictions, possess fixed addresses, and have no pending cases. These accused were strongly warned against committing any further offences while on bail,” Nyuswa said.

#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

Nyuswa also the state has indicated its intention to oppose bail for all other accused who have previous convictions or pending cases. The remaining individuals have been remanded in custody.

The matter has been postponed to August 11 and 12 to allow for the verification of addresses and for possible bail applications.

#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