A suspected gold mining ringleader known as “Tiger” escaped from custody in South Africa with help from police officers, authorities said on Monday. The suspect, identified as James Neo Tshoaeli, was among those who emerged from a disused mine last week after a monthslong standoff between police and men digging for gold illegally.
The North West province’s acting police commissioner Maj.-Gen. Patrick Asaneng described the incident as an “embarrassment” to the police operation. Nearly 2,000 miners were working underground at the Buffelsfontein Gold Mine, with 87 dying in the mine and 78 bodies recovered during the official rescue operation.
An investigation is underway into who helped Tshoaeli flee from custody. Authorities have evidence of his involvement from survivors’ witness accounts and video footage, which allege he was responsible for deaths, assault, and torture. Extensive investigations and tracing operations are ongoing to find those officials who aided his escape.
Illegal mining is a significant issue in South Africa, with many disused mines being used by groups known as “zama-zamas,” or “hustlers.” These groups often rely on others to send down supplies, and the groups’ leaders are part of criminal syndicates. The incident highlights concerns about police accountability and the need for improved oversight in addressing this issue.
Source: https://apnews.com/article/south-africa-illegal-gold-miners-ringleader-escape-a1e35abe61f2d12ecad2696736279e97