Illegal miners risk their lives daily as they work unused mine shafts for the last few pieces of coal left behind.
Illegal mining in South Africa has over the past decades become one of its greatest challenges.
Fed by faceless powerful syndicate leaders it became a thriving and almost self-sustaining industry.
For some it is just a way of making ends meet. They sell the coal to the local community.
In the Ogies district near Wilge Village illegal mining was detected on one of the Sereti owned mines.
A well-organised mining operation was discovered earlier this week.
According to police spokesperson Const Thabang Mabena eight miners were initially apprehended but warning statements of only five were taken.
They were not arrested.
The matter is referred to Witbank Magistrate Court for decision.