Over 50 more suspected illegal miners emerge from Barberton’s Sheba Mine
Authorities believe that more illegal miners could still be underground at Sheba Mine in Barberton.
The illegal mining crisis in Barberton came under the spotlight again on Monday and yesterday, when more suspects were arrested after emerging from the depths of Sheba Mine in Barberton, Mpumalanga.
This brings the total number of illegal miners who have surfaced to 550, says Mpumalanga police spokesperson Brigadier Donald Mdhluli.
He explains that, on Friday, 496 people came to the surface (the number was revised as per their court appearance on Monday). On Monday, 24 people came to the surface, and yesterday, 30 people came to the surface.
Lowvelder reports that, according to Mdhluli, mine security and law enforcement continue to monitor the situation, but the full extent remains unclear.
Mdhluli says it is difficult to determine how many people might still be underground.
“We’ll keep monitoring. As we’re not there physically, I can’t confirm whether anyone remains underground. The lack of definitive information highlights the undercover nature of these operations and the challenges authorities face in tackling them,” he says.
Meanwhile, the Barberton Magistrate’s Court has granted bail of R2 000 each to 26 of the accused.
The decision was based on several factors, including that they have no prior convictions, fixed addresses and no pending cases. They were strongly warned against reoffending while on bail.
The state has indicated it will oppose bail for the remaining accused who have previous convictions or pending cases.
These people have been remanded in custody. The matter has been postponed to August 11 and 12 to allow for address verification and possible further bail applications.
@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
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