Manhunt under way for alleged Stilfontein illegal mining kingpin

Members of the South African police, patrol as they guard the mine shaft where rescue operations are ongoing as attempts are made to rescue illegal miners who have been underground for months in Stilfontein, South Africa, January 14, 2025.

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Police in North West are on a manhunt for an alleged illegal mining kingpin, who escaped police custody after resurfacing from shaft 11 in Stilfontein last week.

Police say extensive investigation and tracing operations are under way to pinpoint those officials who aided the escape of the alleged kingpin, who is a Lesotho National.

According to Police, James Neo Tshoaeli who is commonly known as “Tiger” was never booked into any of the local police stations where some illegal miners are being kept nor was he admitted at the local hospital for medical care.

#sapsHQ Police launch manhunt for Stilfontein underground kingpin, a Lesotho national, James Neo Tshoaeli, commonly known as TIGER, who resurfaced from shaft 11 in Stilfontein last week. TIGER is a fugitive of justice and is considered dangerous.

Members of the public are… pic.twitter.com/1Ob0G7CTmG

— SA Police Service 🇿🇦 (@SAPoliceService) January 20, 2025

National Police Spokesperson, Brigadier Athlenda Mathe says this is an embarrassment to the Vala Umgodi operation that has been running from December 2023.

Mathe says, “His real name is James Neo Tshoaeli and he is a Lesotho national. He is being fingered in several statements as one of the ringleaders who controlled operations underground. He is also being accused by some illegal miners for being responsible for some deaths that happened underground.”

She says, “He is also being fingered for the 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. We vowed to ensure that those responsible for this escape from custody are brought to book and that Tiger is found.”