Nine suspects were arrested on Friday, 16 May 2025, during a stop and search, on the R38 road in Barberton.
Seven of the nine suspects were found to be undocumented foreign nationals whilst two were found in possession of precious metals.
The police said stopped a black x 5 BMW with a Gauteng registration, and upon searching the vehicle, found illicit mining equipment including jackhammers, a block of precious metal, chisel and a bottle of mercury.
The suspects are between the ages of 20 and 49 and are scheduled to appear at the Barberton Magistrate’s Court on 19 May 2025, for the Contravention of Immigration Act of South Africa and Possession of precious metal.
Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi, Acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, has welcomed the arrests and emphasised that law enforcement agencies will continue with efforts to eradicate illegal mining activities.
Picture: SAPS