Authorities in South Africa have initiated a manhunt for James Neo Tshoaeli, an alleged "kingpin" behind a network of illicit mining operations, following a chaotic rescue mission at an abandoned gold mine in Stilfontein. The police revealed that Tshoaeli, who is also known as "Tiger," escaped custody with the assistance of police officials shortly after resurfacing from the mine, where tragic conditions led to the discovery of 78 corpses and the rescue of 246 illegal miners.

According to a police statement, Tshoaeli is accused of complicity in various offenses, including deaths, assaults, and torture of other miners trapped underground over the past months. Reports from surviving miners allege Tshoaeli hoarded supplies and denied food to others, exacerbating an already dire situation marked by starvation and health crises among the miners, many of whom surfaced in a weakened state after months below ground. The police spokesperson, Athlenda Mathe, described the community's actions and their subsequent disappointment in the police's handling of the incident as "embarrassing." Officers had previously blocked access to the mine for months to disrupt illegal mining operations before a court mandated a rescue operation, as detailed in reports from BBC.

In light of Tshoaeli's escape, law enforcement officials have stated that internal investigations are underway to identify the police personnel who facilitated his flight from custody. They confirmed that despite his resurfacing, Tshoaeli was never booked at the relevant police stations, raising serious questions regarding police procedures and accountability. “Extensive investigations and tracing operations are underway to find those officials who aided his escape,” said Mathe, emphasizing the ongoing efforts to ensure justice in this case, as covered by AP News.

The tragic circumstances surrounding the Stilfontein mine have drawn criticism from community members and rights activists, with claims that miners were essentially abandoned in a horrific environment. Following the rescue operation, authorities revealed that the search had concluded, although some voices in the community remain skeptical, suggesting another shaft may still harbor undetected bodies.