NORTH WEST – The Acting Provincial Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng, has called for maximum resources to be deployed in the search for James Neo Tshoaeli, also known as “Tiger,” an alleged Stilfontein mining kingpin who escaped police custody.
Tiger reportedly fled after resurfacing from Stilfontein’s Mine Shaft 11 last week. In a statement issued on Monday, Asaneng confirmed that investigations and tracing operations are underway to identify the officials who may have assisted in his escape between Shaft 11 and the Stilfontein police holding cells.
“Records show that Tiger was never booked into any of the stations housing other illegal miners, nor is he admitted to a local hospital for medical care,” Asaneng stated.
Tiger, a Lesotho national, is identified in police records as a ringleader controlling illegal mining operations underground. Witness accounts accuse him of orchestrating assaults, torture, and even deaths of other illegal miners. Videos in police possession reportedly support these allegations. He is also accused of hoarding food and denying it to other miners.
The Acting Commissioner expressed frustration over the escape, calling it a “serious embarrassment” to the ongoing Vala Umgodi operation, launched in December 2023 to curb illegal mining activities.
Asaneng vowed accountability, stating that “heads will roll” once the officials responsible for aiding Tiger’s escape are identified. He urged the public to come forward with any information on the fugitive’s whereabouts, emphasizing that Tiger is considered dangerous.
The public is encouraged to report any leads to the Stilfontein Police Station immediately.
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