Alleged illegal mining kingpin James Neo Tshoaeli, known as “Tiger”, has escaped police custody, sparking a manhunt and calls for accountability within the police force. Tiger, a Lesotho national, was identified as a ring leader controlling operations underground in Stilfontein’s mine shaft 11.
Tiger faces allegations of being responsible for miners’ deaths, abuse, and hoarding food from other miners. National police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe revealed that Tiger was not booked into any police stations, and an investigation is underway to find those who facilitated his escape.
Acting police commissioner Major General Patrick Asaneng expressed disappointment, terming the escape an embarrassment to the Vala Umgodi operation. The public is urged to share information on Tiger’s whereabouts with the Stilfontein police station. This development comes after 246 illegal miners were rescued, and 78 bodies recovered from the disused mine last week.
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