Men arrested at alleged illegal gold processing lab in Barberton due in court Tuesday

Two men arrested at an alleged illegal gold processing lab in Barberton, Mpumalanga, are set to appear in court next week.

The suspects, aged 51 and 52, were nabbed during an intelligence-driven operation, where police discovered gold processing equipment, chemicals and gold-bearing material at a house.

Officers also recovered two unlicensed firearms and ammunition at the scene.

Police said the property was being used to process, melt and refine gold as part of illegal mining activities in the area.

The two suspects are expected to appear in the Barberton Magistrates Court, facing charges including contravention of the Precious Metals Act and possession of illegal firearms.

“The arrested suspects are expected to appear at Barberton Magistrates Court on Tuesday, 28 April 2026. More arrests are imminent as the investigation is continuing,” said Mpumalanga police spokesperson Mavela Masondo

Police said investigations are ongoing, with more arrests expected as they continue to target illegal mining networks.