South Africa Detains Nearly 1,000 Undocumented Miners in Crackdown on Illegal Gold Mining

South Africa Detains Nearly 1,000 Undocumented Miners in Crackdown on Illegal Gold Mining
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South African police have arrested nearly 1,000 undocumented migrants working illegally at the Sheba Gold Mine in Barberton, Mpumalanga province, near the borders of Eswatini and Mozambique. The arrests were part of Operation Vala Umgodi, a week-long crackdown targeting illegal mining, according to a report by DW citing public broadcaster SABC.

Police stated that the individuals, some believed to be minors, were found working underground and will face charges related to immigration violations and possibly illegal mining activities. Barberton Mines, the owner of Sheba, welcomed the arrests, emphasizing a zero-tolerance stance toward illegal mining.

The Sheba Gold Mine, one of South Africa’s oldest, dates back to the 1880s and remains active despite challenges from gold theft and operational costs. Illegal mining, involving so-called “zama-zamas,” has become widespread in South Africa, which has around 6,000 abandoned mines. Authorities warned that further arrests may follow as the operation continues.