7 out of 500 illegal miners arrested in Mpumalanga granted bail of R2,000 each
The group made their first appearance in the Barberton Magistrates Court on Monday. They are facing charges including trespassing, possession of gold‑bearing equipment and contravening the immigration act.
South African Police Service (SAPS) Vala Umgodi team and mine security arrested close to 1,000 illegal miners in Barberton, in Mpumalanga, on 1 August 2025. Picture: Supplied/SAPS
JOHANNESBURG - Seven of nearly 500 illegal miners arrested at the Sheba Gold Mine in Barberton, Mpumalanga, have been granted bail of R2,000 each.
The mass arrest took place on Friday during police’s Operation Vala Umgodi.
The group made their first appearance in the Barberton Magistrates Court on Monday. They are facing charges including trespassing, possession of gold‑bearing equipment and contravening the immigration act.
Proceedings were marred by logistical challenges, as the court struggled to find a room large enough to hold all the accused.
The miners were divided into smaller groups, packed into the dock, benches and even along the courtroom walls.
Some are undocumented migrants, and all had to indicate whether they would apply for legal aid.
The first group of 41 to appear requested bail, with only seven successful at R2,000 each.
One hurdle is that a single lawyer may only represent a limited number of accused compounding delays in verifying addresses.
In a dramatic twist, police earlier arrested a further 24 illegal miners at the same mine.
Authorities said they had been hiding deep underground to evade Friday’s operation and only resurfaced on Monday morning.