Stilfontein, North West — The South African Police Service (SAPS) has launched an intense manhunt for Neo “Tiger” Tshoaeli, an alleged illegal mining kingpin, who escaped custody after being rescued from Shaft 11 at Buffelsfontein Gold Mine last week. The SAPS has strongly indicated that Tshoaeli was aided in his escape by police officers involved in the operation.
National police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe confirmed that the Lesotho national vanished before he could be processed, calling it a shocking breach of police protocol. “It’s absolutely disappointing and shocking revelations that are coming out of Stilfontein this morning where they’re confirming that one of four suspected kingpins and ringleaders has escaped from lawful custody, or rather he was let go by one of our police officers or officials that was involved in the operation,” Mathe said.
Preliminary investigations reveal that Tshoaeli disappeared between Shaft 11 and the police station where he should have been detained. According to Mathe, there is no record of Tshoaeli being booked into police holding cells, nor does his name appear in the court roll. “This shows he was never booked and detained in a holding cell, or a health facility. Otherwise, we would have had a record of him in our cells” Mathe added, calling the situation “an embarrassment” to operation Vala Umgodi, a police initiative aimed at cracking down on illegal mining in the area.
Internal investigation underway
Mathe has vowed that those responsible for aiding the fugitive’s escape will face severe consequences. “We have commenced with an investigation that is looking internally within the police service as to who may have aided him.,” she stated, adding: “Why I’m saying this it’s because it was the responsibility of the police officers on this particular operation to ensure that all suspects are processed, and are detained at police holding cells. And it was the responsibility of the police officers to ensure that all suspects appear in court. So for the mere fact that he didn’t appear in the court roll show he was never booked and detained in a holding cells.”
Mathe also emphasised the responsibility of police officers during the operation, which included escorting illegal miners from the shaft to police holding cells. “For the mere fact that he didn’t appear in the court roll show he was never booked and detained in a holding cells. It’s clear that resources were mobilised to ensure he’s let off,” she stated.
Who is ‘Tiger’?
Neo “Tiger” Tshoaeli is believed to be one of the ringleaders behind illegal mining operations in Stilfontein. He’s been implicated in numerous statements by some of the arrested miners. Police say he is accused of overseeing violent incidents underground, including assaults, torture, deaths and withholding food from other illegal miners, which allegedly led to some deaths due to starvation. Videos in police possession reportedly support these claims.
Most weekend media reports attributed the recent deaths of 78 illegal miners – whose bodies were retrieved during last week’s R12-million rescue operation and earlier efforts – to starvation and dehydration, as confirmed by a pathologist.
Manhunt intensifies
Mathe stated that Acting Provincial Commissioner of North West, Major General Patrick Asaneng, has demanded that maximum resources be dedicated to recapturing Tshoaeli and identifying those who helped him escape. As the result, an extensive search is underway, and police are urging the public to share any information on his whereabouts.
Mathe shoaeli is considered dangerous and remains a fugitive of justice. The SAPS is pleading with the public to assist by reporting any sightings or information to the SAPS Crime Stop at 08600 10111.
Since operation Vala Umgodi began in December 2023, significant strides has been in combating illegal mining, polive said. Since then, over 17,000 suspected zama zamas have been arrested, with 399 firearms and 11,000 rounds of ammunition seized.
Despite these achievements, Mathe admitted that Tshoaeli’s escape is a major setback, “but I can assure you, heads are going to roll” she ascertained.
