Image Source: BBC
North West – The Acting Provincial Commissioner of North West, Major General Patrick Asaneng, has ordered a full-scale mobilisation of resources to locate James Neo Tshoaeli, also known as TIGER, a suspected kingpin and fugitive who emerged from shaft 11 in Stilfontein last week.
Rescue operations at the abandoned Buffelsfontein gold mine in Stilfontein concluded last week, with over 240 illegal miners brought up alive after the police had blockaded the mine for months. Tragically, more than 80 miners have reportedly lost their lives.
TIGER, a Lesotho national, is accused of leading illegal mining operations and has been linked to numerous crimes, including assault, torture, and causing the deaths of miners.
Videos reportedly in police possession show evidence of these acts. He is also accused of hoarding food underground, depriving other miners of sustenance.
Major General Asaneng expressed his disappointment, calling the incident a significant embarrassment to the ongoing Vala Umgodi operation. This operation, launched in December 2023, aims to combat illegal mining. TIGER remains a fugitive and is considered dangerous.
“According to records, Tiger was never booked into various other stations where some illegal miners are being kept. Tiger is also not admitted at a local hospital for further medical care,” Asaneng stated.
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Extensive tracing efforts are underway to determine how TIGER escaped custody after resurfacing from shaft 11. Authorities are also working to identify any officials who may have facilitated his escape. He vowed to hold those responsible for TIGER’s escape accountable.
Major General Asaneng has issued a stern warning: “Heads will roll once they find those officials that aided the kingpin to escape from police custody after resurfacing from shaft 11 last week.”
He further emphasised: “TIGER is a fugitive of justice and is considered dangerous. Members of the public are advised to share any information pertaining to his whereabouts with the Stilfontein police station.”
