More than 50 zama zamas arrested at Sheba Gold Mine set to appear in court

BARBERTON - More than 50 illegal miners who were arrested at the Sheba Gold Mine over the past two days are expected to appear before the Barberton Magistrate's Court on Wednesday.

The latest groups emerged after spending days hiding in the mine’s underground labyrinth to evade police.

It comes days after the mass arrest of 494 zama zamas last Friday, all of whom have already been through the courts.

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Since last week’s Operation Vala Umgodi, police have been methodically closing off shafts and escorting illegal miners out of the mine’s vast network of tunnels.

The latest groups of 24 and 30 surfaced under different circumstances, some walking out voluntarily, others escorted by private security after being found in the depths.

Of the original 494 arrested on Friday, only 26, all South Africans with verified addresses, were granted bail.

The rest remain behind bars, including dozens of undocumented foreign nationals who face additional immigration related charges.

For many of them, even accessing legal representation will be a challenge.

Police spokesperson, Donald Mdhluli, said that more miners may still be underground, some possibly injured or malnourished.

"Within 48 hours, one should appear before court after being arrested, so we are working with the prosecutors to ensure that the ones who were arrested appear."

With more than 550 people taken into custody since Friday, the Barberton Magistrate’s Court is working through cases in stages, an unusual logistical burden for the small town.