By Everson Luhanga
- Police officers helped a dangerous mine boss escape after he was brought up from underground.
- The man known as Tiger is blamed for dozens of deaths and for torturing miners underground.
North West police are hunting for a dangerous zama zama boss who escaped with help from corrupt police officers last week.
The man, James Neo Tshoaeli from Lesotho, is known as Tiger. He escaped after being brought up from Shaft 11 in Stilfontein.
Police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said Tiger controlled operations underground and is blamed for torture, assault, and deaths.
“He is being fingered in several statements as one of the ringleaders who controlled operations underground,” said Mathe.
“He is also being accused by some illegal miners who resurfaced from 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,” said Mathe.
Acting Provincial Commissioner Major General Patrick Asaneng promised “heads will roll” when they find the police officers who helped Tiger escape.
Asaneng called the escape an embarrassment to Operation Vala Umgodi, which started in December 2023.
Police records show Tiger was never booked into any police station or hospital after being brought up from underground.
The rescue operation ended with 78 dead miners found underground. Hundreds of other illegal miners were rescued and arrested.
Police ask anyone with information about Tiger to contact the Stilfontein police station.
Pictured above: James Neo Tshoaeli commonly known as Tiger.
Source: SAPS
