BARBERTON —South African police have launched a massive operation in Mpumalanga, a province that shares a border with Eswatini, leading to the retrieval of approximately 1,000 illegal immigrants and illegal miners from a mine in the Barberton area. The operation, which was still underway as of Friday, is part of a broader crackdown on illegal mining activities in the region.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) stated that its members are working in close collaboration with other law enforcement agencies to combat illegal mining. This initiative involves regular operations, increased police visibility, and intelligence-driven interventions aimed at dismantling criminal networks.
The authorities’ objective is to safeguard natural resources and ensure the safety of affected communities. The proximity of the operation to Eswatini’s border raises regional security interests and concerns regarding cross-border criminal activities. According to SAPS, all necessary measures are being taken to maintain law and order. 
