By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
SA Police Services (SAPS) has arrested 1000 illegal miners at the Sheba Gold Mine in Barberton, during Operation Vala Umgodi, a coordinated effort by police and various other agencies to combat illicit mining activities.
The Mpumalanga police spokesman Donald Mdhluli says there could be more arrests because there are still illegal miners underground.
“As they are coming out, they have been taken,” said Mdhluli.
“About 1,000 illegal miners who are also illegal immigrants have been arrested,” Mdhluli said, calling it a joint operation between mine security and the police.
He said that “there are no fatalities recorded so far”.
The Sheba Mine said in a statement: “Earlier this year there was outcry from the community and employees when Barberton Mines retrenched workers as the mine was unprofitable and facing closure. Now we know the reason why!
“Food and supplies have been getting to a thriving illegal mining world underground, which had to be stopped, hence this intervention with the police and mine security. This message needs to be spread and illegal mining will not be tolerated,” it added.
The police operation, which started on Monday, targeted clandestine mining near the village of Barberton, close to the borders of Eswatini and Mozambique.
Mpumalanga community safety and security MEC Jackie Macie says the crackdown was a significant step in the government’s fight against crime— and illegal immigration and mining.
He says the illegal movement of people into the country has a negative impact on the safety and security of communities.
Macie also highlighted the devastating environmental consequences of illegal mining.
He has called for continued collaboration between law enforcement and communities, urging residents to report illegal miners instead of accommodating them.