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North West police have launched a manhunt for an alleged illegal mining kingpin, known as Tiger, who resurfaced from the Stilfontein last week and later escaped from police custody.
Provincial commissioner, Major-General Patrick Asaneng, has warned that heads would roll as the search for those officials who helped him escape continues.
All the illegal miners who came to the surface were taken into custody.
The national police spokesperson, Brigadier Athlenda Mathe, said according to records, Tiger was never booked into any of the police stations where the illegal miners are being kept, nor was he admitted to any hospital.
She said he is a Lesotho national, and according to records, his name is James Neo Tshoaeli.
Brigadier Mathe said he had been identified in several statements as one of the ring leaders who controlled operations underground.
“He is also being accused by some illegal miners who resurfaced underground as being allegedly responsible for some deaths, assault and torture that is alleged to have taken place according to videos in police possession,” she said.
#sapsHQ Police launch manhunt for Stilfontein underground kingpin, a Lesotho national, James Neo Tshoaeli, commonly known as TIGER, who resurfaced from shaft 11 in Stilfontein last week. TIGER is a fugitive of justice and is considered dangerous.
— SA Police Service ???????? (@SAPoliceService) January 20, 2025
Members of the public are… pic.twitter.com/1Ob0G7CTmG
Meanwhile, Major-General Asaneng has expressed disappointment in what he terms an embarrassment for the Vala Umgodi operation that has been running since December 2023.
He has vowed to ensure that those responsible for this escape from custody are brought to book.
