Stilfontein – Police have launched a manhunt for the escapee kingpin of illegal gold mining operations at the disused shaft in Stilfontein.
The kingpin identified as a Lesotho National James Neo Tshoaeli better known as “Tiger” inexplicably escaped from police custody last week.
“The Acting Provincial Commissioner of North West, Major General Patrick Asaneng has ordered maximum resources to be mobilised in finding an alleged kingpin who resurfaced from shaft 11 in Stilfontein last week,” said police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe on Monday, (20 January 2025).
“Major General Asaneng has also warned that heads will roll once they find those officials that aided the kingpin to escape from police custody after resurfacing from shaft 11 last week.”
Extensive investigations and tracing operations were underway to find those officials who aided his escape between shaft 11 and the Stilfontein police holding cells, said Brigadier Mathe.
“According to records, Tiger was never booked into various other stations where some illegal miners are being kept,” said Brigadier Mathe.
“Tiger is also not admitted to a local hospital for further medical care.
“Tiger is being fingered in several statements as one of the ring leaders who controlled operations underground.”
Brigadier Mathe said Tiger was also being accused by some illegal miners who resurfaced underground as being responsible for some deaths, assault, and torture.
Police have videos of assaults that occurred underground.
“He is also alleged to have hoarded and kept food away from other illegal miners,” said
Tiger is thought to have surfaced during the rescue last week when 216 illegal miners were rescued and 78 bodies retrieved.
While the rescued illegal miners were handed over to the police, Tiger somehow slipped away and disappeared.
“Major General Asaneng has expressed disappointment in what he terms as an embarrassment to the Vala Umgodi operation that has been running from [the Law] December 2023,” said Brigadier Mathe.
“He has vowed to ensure that those responsible for this escape from custody are brought to book and that TIGER is found.
“Tiger is a fugitive of justice and is considered dangerous.
“Members of the public are advised to share any information pertaining to his whereabouts to the Stilfontein police station.”
AUDIO REPORT: Police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe
