The police in North West have launched a manhunt for an alleged Stilfontein mine kingpin who escaped from police custody after resurfacing from the disused mine last week. National police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said the suspect, James Neo Tshwaeli, known as Tiger, resurfaced from shaft 11 in Stilfontein and escaped from police custody.

HEADS TO ROLL FOR THOSE WHO AIDED HIS ESCAPE

Acting provincial commissioner Major General Patrick Asaneng has warned that heads will roll once they find those officials who aided the kingpin in escaping from police custody. Asaneng has ordered maximum resources to be mobilised in finding Tiger. Mathe said investigations and tracing operations are underway to find the officials who aided his escape between shaft 11 and the Stilfontein police holding cells. "According to records, Tiger was never booked into various other stations where some illegal miners are kept. He is also not admitted to a local hospital for further medical care. The alleged kingpin and ringleader is a Lesotho national. According to records, his name is James Neo Tshoaeli and 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 who resurfaced underground of being allegedly responsible for some deaths, assault and torture that are 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," Mathe said.

HE IS DANGEROUS

Asaneng has also expressed disappointment in what he said is an embarrassment to the Vala Umgodi operation that has been running since December 2023. He has vowed to ensure that those responsible for this escape from custody are brought to book and that Tiger is found. Mathe said Tiger is a fugitive and considered dangerous. "Members of the public are advised to share any information about his whereabouts with the Stilfontein police station," she said.