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.
Illegal miners arrested
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.
In other news – Photos: Enhle Mbali and her sons steal the spotlight at Basadi in Music Awards
Actress and fashion designer Enhle Mbali Mlotshwa turned heads as she attended the 2025 Basadi in Music Awards alongside her two sons, Asante and Anesu, to honour her mother, Bongi Mlotshwa, who received the Trailblazer of the Year award.
Dressed in a custom design from her fashion label Essie Apparel, which she launched in 2019, Enhle was the picture of elegance and pride. Read More
