Low’s Creek – Two bodies wrapped in blankets have been found near the disused Lily Mine in Low’s Creek, Barberton, Mpumalanga.
Provincial police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Jabu Ndubane said one of the deceased has been identified by his next of kin.
“One of the deceased has been identified by a relative who confirmed that the man was his brother and that they were originally from the Kingdom of Eswatini,” revealed Lieutenant Colonel Ndubane on Tuesday, 20 January 2026.
“He was identified as a 38-year-old Eswatini national, Richard Majahodvwa Maseko.”
The police spokesperson said the other dead man has been named as Mthobisi Muzi Ndlela, also from Eswatini.
Lieutenant Colonel Ndubane suggested that the deceased might be part of the Zama-Zama gang, partaking in illegal gold mining at the disused mine.
Lily Mine ceased operations in 2016 after three miners – Solomon Nyirenda, Pretty Nkambule, and Yvonne Mnisi were trapped in a container that plunged into a sinkhole.
Their remains have never been retrieved, and their families were still fighting for justice a decade after the tragedy.
In 2024, the Mbombela High Court ruled that Lily Mine, the SAPS, and the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy should be held responsible for the miners’ deaths.
Today, the grim find of two bodies outside Lily Mine has retraumatised affected families and the locals.
Speaking exclusively to The Bulrushes, police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Ndubane said: “Police are investigating the discovery of two deceased males near Lily Mine.
“Upon arrival, along with Emergency Medical Services, police found the men covered with blankets. Both were certified dead at the scene.
“There were no visible bruises.
“A postmortem will be conducted to determine if it is a murder or an inquest.”
People with more information about the incident or the deceased should call the national police toll-free number 08600 10111.
