The North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng, has expressed his deep concern and disappointment following reports that one of the alleged kingpins of illegal mining in Stilfontein, James Neo Tshoaeli, known as ‘Tiger’, has reportedly escaped police custody. Tshoaeli, a Lesotho national, was believed to have resurfaced from a mine shaft in Stilfontein last week but is now considered a fugitive after authorities learned he was never properly booked into police stations along with other arrested illegal miners.
Morweng condemned the incident, highlighting the shock and frustration it has caused, particularly given the significant resources allocated to combat illegal mining activities in the region. “This is an embarrassment that can’t be tolerated,” Morweng said. “The news of his escape is a setback for our ongoing efforts, especially after our successes in curbing illegal mining.” He went on to emphasize the severity of Tshoaeli’s involvement in the operation of the illegal mining activities, describing how Tshoaeli had been identified by other miners as one of the most brutal figures underground, involved in controlling the operations, mistreating workers, and inflicting harm on many individuals.
The MEC appealed to local communities to assist the police in locating Tshoaeli, urging anyone with information to contact nearby stations. “He is considered dangerous, and it is crucial that we bring him to justice,” Morweng stressed. He also took the opportunity to address concerns over possible corruption within the police force. “If any officers are found to have been complicit in aiding Tiger’s escape, they must be held accountable. We cannot tolerate any kind of misconduct within our ranks.”
In addition to the search for Tshoaeli, another tragedy has emerged from the illegal mining operations in Stilfontein. One of the miners rescued from a disused shaft last week has died in hospital. Tshegofatso Mothibedi, spokesperson for the North West provincial Department of Health, confirmed that the miner, identified as Koali Rankomo, passed away on Monday at around 4 a.m. after being treated for gastroenteritis and dehydration. Rankomo had been admitted to the Klersdorp/Tshepong Tertiary Hospital following his rescue during a large-scale operation aimed at freeing miners trapped in the unsafe shafts.
The extensive mine rescue operation, carried out by a specialized team, resulted in the successful extraction of 246 illegal miners from the Stilfontein site. However, the operation also revealed the harrowing scale of the situation, with 78 bodies recovered from the deep mine shafts, underscoring the dangerous and often deadly conditions faced by those working in these hazardous underground environments.
As the community and authorities continue to grapple with the complexities of illegal mining, the focus remains on locating those responsible for exploiting vulnerable individuals in these perilous conditions and bringing them to justice. The recent developments serve as a stark reminder of the urgent need for greater safety measures and enhanced law enforcement efforts to prevent further tragedies.
