Sheba gold mine: 2 out of 24 illegal miners released on bail
The 22 still behind bars are mostly foreign nationals without passports and they face additional immigration-related charges.
Some of the 500 Zama zamas during their first appearance in the Barberton Magistrates court, Mpumalanga, 6 August 2025. Picture: Jacques Nelles/EWN
BARBERTON - Two of the 24 illegal miners who resurfaced from Sheba gold mine in Barberton, Mpumalanga, on Monday have been released on bail.
The pair, both South Africans with valid IDs and private lawyers, were each granted bail of R2,000.
The other 22 remain in custody and will return to court next Wednesday.
The 22 still behind bars are mostly foreign nationals without passports and they face additional immigration-related charges.
All 24 are also charged with theft, trespassing and possession of mining and gold bearing equipment.
Wednesday’s proceedings were over in minutes after the magistrate mad e the postponement for bail verification and the appointment of legal representation.
“Accused number 20 and 21 in custody, your bail is fixed at R2000 each, normal bail conditions.”
The group is part of more than 550 people detained at Sheba gold mine in the past week under Operation Vala Umgodi.
The initial 494 arrested last Friday appeared earlier this week and only 26 of them, all south Africans with verified addresses, were granted bail.
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