Police in Barberton have launched an investigation into cases of murder and attempted murder following the fatal shooting of a man near Agnes Mine on Friday afternoon.
According to authorities, the incident came to light at approximately 16:30 on 13 February 2026, when a local hospital reported that two injured men had arrived at the facility alleging they had been shot and assaulted near Agnes Mine.
Preliminary investigations suggest that the two victims had reportedly gone to the mountainous area with a group of associates with the intention of engaging in illegal gold mining. Upon arrival at a location near the mine, an altercation is said to have erupted between their group and Basotho nationals. During the confrontation, one individual was fatally shot. Several others were assaulted and sustained gunshot wounds.
Police proceeded to the hospital to interview the injured parties. However, it was discovered that one of the men had fled the medical facility before receiving treatment. The other victim remained at the hospital and was attended to by medical staff.
Members of the Public Order Policing (POP) Unit accompanied detectives to Agnes Mine, where the body of the deceased man was recovered. The remains have been transported to Forensic Pathology Services for a post-mortem examination.
While at the scene, officers identified several shacks in the vicinity and conducted a raid, but found no occupants. Law enforcement personnel subsequently vacated the area. A few kilometres from the initial scene, police later observed that some of the shacks had caught fire. Firefighting services were summoned and extinguished the blaze.
Formal cases of murder and attempted murder have been registered. Police have confirmed that the investigations are ongoing.
