South African Police Hunt Escaped Illegal Gold Mining Kingpin

James Neo Tshoaeli, known as 'Tiger,' fled custody after a controversial mine rescue operation revealed harrowing conditions underground.

James Neo Tshoaeli, a Lesotho national and alleged leader of illegal gold mining operations, escaped police custody with suspected assistance from officers.
Tshoaeli, accused of torture, assault, and hoarding food underground, was among 246 survivors rescued from an abandoned gold mine in Stilfontein last week.
The rescue operation also recovered 78 bodies from the mine, prompting criticism of the months-long police siege that cut off food and water to force miners to the surface.
Authorities are investigating police officers who may have helped Tshoaeli evade booking and escape between the mine and holding cells.
Illegal gold mining in South Africa involves thousands of individuals, often controlled by violent syndicates, with abandoned mines producing an estimated 10% of the country's gold output.