Police aid Stilfontein illegal miner kingpin to escape
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Following court interdicts and court orders for the repatriation of illegal miners in Stilfontein, North West, police thought they had everything under control for a while after resurfacing of the miners.
The celebration was shortlived not long after apprehending the kingpin James “Tiger” Neo Tshoaeli of the operation after escaping from police custody. This was said with great disappointment by North West Acting Provincial Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng as it was also alleged that Tshoaeli was assisted by some police officers to escape custody.
In a statement issued on Monday, Asaneng said extensive investigations and tracing operations were underway to find the officials who aided Tiger’s escape between shaft 11 and the Stilfontein police holding cells.
He said records revealed that Tiger was never booked into various other stations where some illegal miners are being kept and he was also not admitted at a local hospital for further medical care.
The alleged kingpin and ringleader, Tshoaeli, is a Lesotho national.
According to the Acting Commissioner, Tiger is being fingered 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. He is also alleged to have hoarded and kept food away from other illegal miners,” Asaneng said.
Asaneng has expressed disappointment in what he terms as an “embarrassment to the Vala Umgodi operation that has been running from December 2023”.
He warned that heads would roll once they find the officials that aided the kingpin to escape from police custody.
“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,” Asaneng said.
