![Fellow miners have accused James Tshoaeli of being responsible for some deaths underground, the police say [SAPS]](https://theafricadailypost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/e94ae0d9940c5469412b1a82aa66d2f8-860x483.jpg)
A suspected gang leader, known as “Tiger,” escaped custody after being rescued from an illegal gold mine in Stilfontein, South Africa, where at least 78 miners died, police confirmed on Monday.
The Lesotho national was extracted from a mine shaft surrounded by police and was supposed to be transported directly to the nearest station, according to national police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe. However, during a routine check, a senior officer discovered “Tiger” missing from the holding cells.
“Preliminary investigations indicate he was let go between Shaft 11 and the police station,” Mathe told public broadcaster SABC, adding that someone within the police force likely facilitated his escape. Police have launched a manhunt and are investigating internal collusion. Three other alleged ringleaders remain in custody.
The incident followed a months-long police siege of the illegal mine, during which officers cut off food and water supplies to force miners out. Critics have widely condemned this approach, citing human rights concerns.
Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana rejected claims that the state should be held accountable for the miners’ deaths, telling Reuters in Davos, Switzerland: “These individuals entered the mines voluntarily and engaged in illegal activities. It is misplaced to blame the state for their deaths.”
A state-sponsored rescue operation last week saved 246 miners, many of whom were found emaciated and weak. Police said some miners reported that food underground was controlled by gang leaders.
Authorities believe thousands of people are engaged in illegal mining in abandoned South African mines, with operations often run by Lesotho-based gangs and workers recruited from neighboring countries under false pretenses.
