Kaya 959 Point of View with Phemelo Motene

Illegal Mining Crackdown: Over 500 Arrests and Counting in Barberton

Loading player...
The clampdown on illegal mining in Barberton, Mpumalanga, is gaining serious momentum after hundreds of zama zamas were brought up from underground while, another 24 suspects have been arrested, pushing the total to over 500. Most of those arrested face charges including the contravention of the Immigration Act of South Africa, as well as other charges in relation to illegal mining and trespassing. Police are still verifying the exact numbers and working to bring more suspects to the surface. Operation Vala Umgodi continues with backup from mine security and the Department of Minerals and Energy. Phemelo speaks to mining expert David van Wyk and provincial safety spokesperson Moeti Mmusi about the impact and what’s next.
4 Aug 2025 5PM English South Africa Education · Careers

Other recent episodes

Public Works orders probe into deadly Ormonde building collapse

The South African government has launched an investigation into the deadly building collapse in Ormonde, south of Johannesburg, that claimed nine lives on March 2. Dean Macpherson has tasked the Council for the Built Environment with leading the probe into what caused the tragedy. Several workers were trapped under the…
5 Mar 4AM 13 min

Legal Matters: Can you be forced to maintain a sibling?

In today’s Legal Matters, Nthabiseng unpacks a surprising development: the National Prosecuting Authority has confirmed that you could be legally required to support a financially struggling sibling. From housing and food to medical costs and education - maintenance law in South Africa extends further than many realise. What does this…
4 Mar 3PM 39 min

Trump insists he struck Iran on his own terms

Did the US strike Iran to pre-empt an Israeli attack - or was it always part of President Donald Trump’s strategy? The White House is scrambling to clarify its position after Secretary of State Marco Rubio suggested the US acted knowing Israel was about to move. Democrats are questioning the…
4 Mar 3PM 11 min
All episodes