Illegal mining

Police in Mpumalanga arrested two suspects at a house in Barberton allegedly used as an illegal gold processing laboratory. Officers recovered chemicals, gold processing equipment, gold-bearing materials, and two unlicensed firearms with ammunition. Provincial police spokesperson Mavela Masondo confirmed the details of the raid.

April 11, 2026 Reported by AI

Residents and business owners in Pilgrim’s Rest, Mpumalanga, blame governance failures for the town’s declining tourism rather than illegal miners. They highlight delays in awarding leases for sites like the Royal Hotel amid high unemployment. Local voices insist crime remains low despite the miners’ presence.