By Mapaballo Borotho
- Police in Mpumalanga have uncovered an illegal gold processing lab in Barberton.
- Two suspects were arrested, and firearms, ammunition and gold-processing materials were seized.
- Authorities say more arrests are expected as investigations into illegal mining activities continue.
Mpumalanga police have busted an illegal gold processing lab in Barberton on Thursday, 23 April 2026.
This is a house where chemicals, gold processing equipment and large quantities of gold-bearing material were found.
Law enforcement officers also seized two unlicensed firearms and ammunition.
“It was during this time when police arrested two suspects, aged 51 and 52, and charged them with contravention of the Precious Metals Act and possession of unlicensed firearms, among other crimes,” said police spokesperson Mavela Masondo.
Officers were acting on information received about a house that was being used as a haven for illegal mining activities in the province.
The arrested suspects are expected to appear at the Barberton Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, 28 April 2026. Masondo says more arrests are imminent as investigations continue.
After Gauteng, Mpumalanga remains one of the provinces known to have a high level of illegal mining activities, followed by Limpopo.
Police continue to crack down on suspects involved in this crime, which places people’s lives and the environment at risk.
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