South African police are on a manhunt for James Neo Tshoaeli, also known as “Tiger,” a Lesotho national accused of orchestrating illegal mining activities at an abandoned gold mine in Stilfontein. This comes after the discovery of 78 bodies last week and the rescue of over 240 emaciated miners who had been trapped underground since November.
Tshoaeli allegedly hoarded food and is blamed for underground violence, including deaths and assaults. He escaped police custody with insider help, prompting police commissioner Patrick Asaneng to vow accountability.
The miners were forced out after months of police blockades that cut off food and water supplies. Activists have criticized authorities for a “massacre,” but police insist they acted to combat criminality driven by kingpins like Tshoaeli. Identifying the deceased miners, many undocumented migrants, is now a major challenge.
