BARBERTON - Authorities have made a major breakthrough in Mpumalanga, uncovering what could be one of the largest illegal mining busts to date.
Close to 1,000 undocumented foreign nationals were retrieved from a mine shaft in Barberton, Mpumalanga, on Friday during Operation Vala Umgodi.
The suspects are believed to be illegal miners, some possibly underage, operating without permits or documentation.
READ: Over 1,000 zama-zamas arrested in Barberton, Mpumalanga
These developments could constitute one of the largest illegal mining busts to date.
But how was it achieved?
Mpumalanga Police Spokesperson, Brigadier Donald Mdluli, discussed the case with eNCA.
Illegal miners have long been a problem at Sheba Gold Mine.
The National Union of Mineworkers and local residents, are criticising authorities for not doing enough to prevent illegal activity.
This follows the arrest of more than 1,000 illegal miners at the Barberton establishment.
eNCA Bafedile Moerane gave an update on this story.