BARBERTON, MP – Some illegal miners are refusing to resurface at the Sheba gold mine in Barberton. And this is delaying the return of some of the mine’s operations back to normal, with mineworkers fearing for their safety.
Over 500 zama-zamas have been arrested in the last week, as part of Operation Vala uMgodi.
They were charged for contravention of South African immigration act and trespassing, while others faced charges for possession of gold bearing material.
On Monday, the 4th of August, mine management told eNCA that there are no longer illegal miners underground.Â
At the time, a large number of illegal miners, the majority of whom were undocumented foreign nationals, appeared in the Barberton Magistrate’s court
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One illegal miner told eNCA that some of his colleagues remain underground, and will only surface once they get paid what they are owed.
Some in the community, say illegal mining has been allowed to thrive for years, and blame mine management, accusing it of enabling these activities.
There is still no comprehensive government plan to deal with this problem, that attracts zama-zamas miners from around the SADC region.
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What is also worrying is the recruitment of children to work underground, six of whom have been discovered in Barberton. It’s a problem that involves Police, Mineral Resources, Home Affairs and Social Development Services, requiring the cooperation of these government departments.
Until then, Operation Vala uMgodi, in collaboration with Sheba Mine private security continue to monitor the situation at the mine.
eNCA’s Bafedile Moerane compiled this report.
eNCA
www.enca.com
