South African police are actively seeking an alleged gang leader known as "Tiger", who is suspected of overseeing illegal mining operations where 78 bodies were recovered last week. The manhunt follows a rescue operation that took place at an illicit gold mine in Stilfontein, as reported by Reuters and The Guardian.

The suspect, whose real name is James Neo Tshoaeli, is believed to have escaped during the police operation intended to curb illegal mining activity in the region. He allegedly received assistance from certain officials, raising serious questions about police management during the operation. "Heads will roll once they find those officials that aided the kingpin to escape from police custody," stated the police, highlighting the embarrassment surrounding this incident.

The extensive police siege, named Operation Vala Umgodi, aimed to eradicate illegal mining and involved cutting off food and water supplies to force miners out of hiding. While the police claim that some miners could have exited through alternative shafts, activists have condemned the operation, labelling it a “massacre” due to the hardship faced by the miners, referred to as zama zamas (those who try).

Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana, involved in discussions at the World Economic Forum, remarked that the state should not accept responsibility for the miners' deaths, asserting that individuals voluntarily engaged in dangerous activities within the mines.

The operation last week successfully rescued 246 survivors, many of whom appeared weak from hunger after extended periods underground. However, the demand for illegal gold mining remains high, with analysts estimating that up to 30,000 zama zamas are currently operating in abandoned mines in South Africa, controlled largely by criminal syndicates.

As the search for "Tiger" continues, police are pursuing those involved in his escape and aim to address the ongoing crisis in illegal mining that poses significant social and economic challenges to the nation.