A total of 496 miners were arrested on Friday, 24 on Monday (one was in possession of a firearm and some ammunition), and 30 more yesterday.
The 24 suspects that were arrested on Monday are expected to appear in the Barberton magistrate’s court today.
The arrested suspects are from the Kingdom of Eswatini, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Lesotho and South Africa.
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Among the suspects arrested on Friday are six minors and investigators are working with officials of the Department of Social Development to make sure that they receive the appropriate care.
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Mpumalanga police spokesperson Brigadier Donald Mdhluli says mine security reported to police that more than 1 000 illegal miners were active in the mine.
He says Operation Vala Umgodi is ongoing and there would be further operations to deal with the remaining miners.
The suspects will be charged for contravening the Immigration Act of South Africa, as well as other charges relating to illegal mining and trespassing. More charges may be added as the operation and investigation continues.
