An intelligence driven operation led to the discovery of a house that is used as an illegal gold processing ‘laboratory’ in Barberton on Thursday, 23 April 2026. At the facility, Police found chemicals, gold processing equipment and large quantities of gold bearing material. Two unlicenced firearms with ammunition were also recovered at the scene. It was during this time when Police arrested two suspects, aged 51 and 52, then charged them with Contravention of Precious Metals Act and possession of unlicenced firearms, amongst other crimes.
Police attached to Crime Intelligence Unit received information about illegal mining activities taking place at one of the houses in Barberton. The information was operationalised and Police pounced into the house. It was discovered that the house has been used for the illegal processing, melting and refinery of gold.
The arrested suspects are expected to appear at Barberton Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, 28 April 2026. More arrests are imminent as the investigation is continuing.
Meanwhile the Acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi commended the team for a job well done. “This is a breakthrough as our operations are targeting the value chain of illegal mining. It is crucial that we dismantle illegal mining infrastructure, while we arrest illegal miners.
I would like to thank every Police Officer, including the Crime Intelligence Unit, as well as our partners that were involved in this operation. We believe that the discovery and dismantling of this illegal gold processing ‘lab’ is a major blow to organised crime in our province . Your dedication and hard work is noted”, said the General.
