Illegal Mining Crackdown: Over 500 Arrests and Counting in Barberton

Loading player...

The clampdown on illegal mining in Barberton, Mpumalanga, is gaining serious momentum after hundreds of zama zamas were brought up from underground while, another 24 suspects have been arrested, pushing the total to over 500. Most of those arrested face charges including the contravention of the Immigration Act of South Africa, as well as other charges in relation to illegal mining and trespassing. Police are still verifying the exact numbers and working to bring more suspects to the surface. Operation Vala Umgodi continues with backup from mine security and the Department of Minerals and Energy. Phemelo speaks to mining expert David van Wyk and provincial safety spokesperson Moeti Mmusi about the impact and what’s next.

4 Aug 5PM English South Africa Education · Careers

Other recent episodes

Trump, Zelenskyy, and Europe Seek Unity on Russia-Ukraine War

A warmer tone and hopeful smiles marked Monday’s White House meeting between Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Just days after Trump’s closed-door talks with Russia’s Vladimir Putin, Zelenskyy was back in Washington, this time joined by a group of European leaders who felt snubbed by the Alaska meeting…

18 Aug 4PM 19 min

DA Wants Brink Back in the Mayor’s Seat in Tshwane

The DA has announced that former Tshwane mayor Cilliers Brink will be their mayoral candidate in the 2026 elections. Brink held the job for 18 months before being ousted in a no-confidence vote last year, after ActionSA switched sides to back an ANC-EFF coalition. Now, the DA says it wants…

18 Aug 4PM 14 min

Songezo Zibi Calls for GNU Reset: ‘This Can’t Be Business as Usual’

Rise Mzansi leader Songezo Zibi says South Africa’s Government of National Unity is stumbling from one crisis to the next and it’s the people who are paying the price. At a media briefing in Johannesburg, Zibi called for a full reset of the GNU, saying the current setup lacks leadership,…

18 Aug 4PM 13 min

Gauteng Cracks Down on Taxi vs. E-Hailing Violence in Soweto

After the tragic killing of 27-year-old e-hailing driver Mthokozisi Mvelase last week in Soweto, Gauteng Roads and Transport MEC Kedibone Diale-Tlabela has announced the formation of a new task team to prevent more violence between taxi operators and e-hailing drivers. The team includes everyone from law enforcement to mall management,…

18 Aug 4PM 25 min

Pimville Residents Shut Down Maponya Mall After Taxi Violence Turns Deadly

Tensions are high in Pimville as angry residents demand justice following deadly taxi violence near Maponya Mall. On Wednesday, a shocking attack saw two e-hailing vehicles set alight one driver was shot and burned inside his car, while two others were injured. In response, community members shut down the mall…

14 Aug 5PM 46 min

All episodes