Potchefstroom – Four policemen have been arrested on suspicion they assisted an illegal gold mining kingpin to escape from custody after he was brought to the surface, along with others rescued from an abandoned shaft in Stilfontein, North West.
The four police officers, who are attached to the Stilfontein Vala Umgodi operation, were arrested Friday morning, (31 January 2025), in Stilfontein.
The accused 37-year-old Warrant Officer Jack Motlhabya, 38-year-old Warrant Officer Menzi Shabalala, 40-year-old Sergeant Ntutuko Dladla, and 38-year-old Sergeant Samkelo Mbotho appeared the same day before the Stilfontein Magistrate’s Court on a charge of defeating the ends of justice.
All four police officers were granted bail of R1 000 each.
They are accused of aiding illegal gold mining Lesotho kingpin James Neo Tshoaeli better known as “Tiger” to escape police custody earlier this month.
Tiger is thought to have surfaced during the rescue operation when 216 illegal miners were rescued and 78 bodies were retrieved between 13 and 15 January 2025.
A manhunt was launched by police when they realised Tiger had escaped.
Commenting on the matter, SA Police Service Acting North West Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng, said he “welcomed the arrest of four police officers in connection with the escape from lawful custody of Stilfontein underground kingpin, Neo James Tiger Tshwaeli”.
Major General Asaneng added: “We are pleased but at the same time disappointed in the arrest of our own. Let the law take its course.
“We are still searching for tiger, we believe we will get answers soon from those allegedly responsible for his release from lawful custody.”
