By BAKANG MOKOTO
20 January 2025- The acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng said he has ordered maximum resources to be mobilised in finding an alleged kingpin who resurfaced from shaft 11 in Stilfontein last week. Asaneng has also warned that heads will roll once they find those officials that aided the kingpin to escape from police custody after resurfacing from shaft 11.
He further said extensive investigations and tracing operations are underway to find those officials, who aided his escape between shaft 11 and the Stilfontein Police Holding Cells. Asaneng added that, according to records, TIGER was never booked into various other stations, where some illegal miners are being kept.
“TIGER is also not admitted at a local hospital for further medical care. The alleged kingpin and ringleader is a Lesotho national and according to records, his name is James Neo Tshoaeli but is commonly known as TIGER.
“TIGER is being fingered in several statements as one of the ring leaders who controlled operations underground. He is also being accused by some illegal miners who resurfaced underground as him being allegedly responsible for some deaths, assault and torture that is alleged to have taken place according to videos in police possession,” he said.
Asaneng said TIGER is also alleged to have hoarded and kept food away from other illegal miners. He has expressed disappointment in what he terms as an embarrassment to the Vala Umgodi operation that has been running from December 2023.
“I vow to ensure that those responsible for this escape from custody are brought to book and that TIGER is found. TIGER is a fugitive of justice and is considered dangerous.
“Members of the public are advised to share any information pertaining to his whereabouts to the Stilfontein Police Station,” said Asaneng.
The Guardian 