Ntokozo Khumalo1 February 2025 | 13:20

Alleged kingpin behind illegal mining in Stilfontein still missing

James Neo Tshwaeli, also known as 'Tiger', was extracted from shaft 11 in in the North West but escaped the police's grasp.

Alleged kingpin behind illegal mining in Stilfontein still missing

JOHANNESBURG - The SA Police Service (SAPS) is now warning the public not to speculate about the potential whereabouts of the alleged kingpin behind illegal mining in Stilfontein, North West.

James Neo Tshwaeli, also known as "Tiger", was extracted from shaft 11  but escaped the police's grasp.

Police arrested four officers suspected of assisting Tiger’s escape on Friday.

The national police spokesperson, Athlenda Mathe, said that they will have Tiger back behind bars again soon.

"As soon as it came to our attention that one of the  alleged illegal mining underground kingpin was missing, the national commissioner of SAPS, General Fannie Masemola directed the acting provincial commissioner of NW [North West], Major Gen Asaneng to assemble a team of seasoned detectives to investigate the matter."