The search for James Neo Tshoaeli, aka Tiger, intensifies after he escaped custody amid a tragic backdrop of underground deaths linked to illegal mining. We explore his family's perspective, the challenges in Lesotho, and the broader implications of the underground mining crisis.
The Elusive 'Tiger': South Africa's Pursuit of an Illegal Mining Alleged Kingpin
The Elusive 'Tiger': South Africa's Pursuit of an Illegal Mining Alleged Kingpin
A deep dive into the manhunt for James Neo Tshoaeli, known as Tiger, who has been evading capture while shedding light on the grim realities surrounding illegal mining in South Africa.
In the heart of South Africa, a manhunt for the notorious illegal mining figure known as 'Tiger' continues to draw national attention. Real name James Neo Tshoaeli, 42, he has successfully eluded authorities for four months after escaping from police custody in January. This escape occurred shortly after a grim discovery of 78 corpses beneath an abandoned gold mine near Stilfontein, igniting a widespread investigation into illegal mining operations.
Tiger, hailing from neighboring Lesotho, was apprehended amid allegations of orchestrating illegal activities in the mining sector. His alleged escape implicates four policemen, who currently await trial after being released on bail. Despite these developments, authorities seem no closer to locating the fugitive.
In our search for answers, we travel to Mokhotlong, Tiger's hometown, where we meet his elderly mother, Mampho Tshoaeli, and his younger brother, Thabiso. The family has not heard from Tiger in eight years and expresses deep concern for his well-being. Mampho reflects on her son's character as a peaceful and diligent child whose dreams of becoming a policeman were cut short by the family's circumstances following their father's death. Instead of pursuing formal work, Tiger turned to the dangerous world of illegal mining to support his family.
Thabiso chose a different path, remaining in Lesotho to tend livestock. He describes his brother's initial years as a ‘zama zama’—a term for illegal miners—as a tough adjustment but highlights that Tiger was, at least at the start, a light for his family. The last time they saw him was in 2017, and since then, communication ceased due to personal events.
Among Tiger's associates, a friend from Stilfontein, identified only as Ayanda, disputes claims that Tiger held a leading role in the illegal mining operations. He argues that while Tiger acted in a supervisory capacity underground, he was not the mastermind many have portrayed him to be. This perspective is echoed by mining researcher Makhotla Sefuli, who emphasizes that the structure of the illegal trade is complex and that those at the top rarely engage in the physical work underground.
The narrative surrounding illegal mining stems deeply from economic hardship in Lesotho, where the unemployment rate is alarmingly high. Amidst this backdrop, tragic stories unfold, including that of Supang Khoaisanyane, a miner whose life ended tragically at the Stilfontein site. His family believed he was working construction until they learned of his fate after a deadly incident underground.
They describe the inhumane conditions miners faced, including a lack of food and water—a controversial tactic employed by police to force illegal miners out of the tunnels. Supang's family argues this strategy led to immense suffering and directly contributed to his death.
As the search for Tiger continues, his family awaits news, filled with both hope and despair, while the issue of illegal mining persists in the shadows of South Africa's mining industry. Police maintain that efforts to locate Tiger are ongoing, but with each passing day, the mystery surrounding his fate and that of others remains a pressing concern.
