North West police working with Lesotho to track down alleged illegal mining kingpin
James Tshoeli who is also known as 'Tiger' is on the run after resurfacing from an abandoned mine shaft in Stilfontein last week.
Picture: @SAPoliceService/X
JOHANNESBURG - North West police say they are working with their Lesotho counterparts to track down an alleged illegal mining kingpin who escaped from police custody.
James Tshoeli who is also known as "Tiger” is on the run after resurfacing from an abandoned mine shaft in Stilfontein last week.
It’s understood that some officers let him go during an operation to clamp down on illegal mining activities.
More than 100 other zama zamas or illegal miners were arrested while 78 died in the province.
North West acting Police Commissioner Patrick Asaneng said the investigation isn't a wild goose chase as the force knows the members who were on duty when the fugitive escaped.
Police records indicate that "Tiger" was not booked into any police stations where other zama zamas were detained or hospitalised.
Police believe Tiger escaped to Lesotho where he is originally from.
Asaneng said Tshoeali's escape was part of a larger corruption scheme.