JOHANNESBURG – Hundreds of illegal miners arrested at Sheba Gold Mine in Barberton, Mpumalanga are expected to appear in court.
The arrests are part of the ongoing police operation, Vala Mgodi, targeting illegal mining in the area.
Police say most of the suspects are undocumented migrants from neighbouring countries.
READ: Over 400 illegal miners remain underground at Sheba Gold Mine
They face charges of trespassing and violating immigration laws.
To force those still underground, police have sealed off  exit points.
Authorities believe hundreds remain  below.
Sheba is one of South Africa’s oldest and richest gold mines.
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