Police Intensify Hunt For Kingpin Behind Stilfontein's Illegal Mining Crisis

Authorities in the North West province are pulling out all the stops in a high-stakes manhunt for James Neo Tshoaeli, a notorious figure known as 'Tiger, who is believed to be the mastermind of a large illegal mining operation in Stilfontein .

Police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe confirmed that Tshoaeli recently emerged from Shaft 11 in the area only to evade capture with alleged assistance from corrupt officials.

This came after a major operation last week aimed at rescuing trapped miners , which resulted in over 200 arrests.

Provincial Police Commissioner Major General Patrick Asaneng has now declared that 'maximum resources' will be dedicated to tracking down Tshoaeli, who is suspected of playing a central role in the underground mining network.

Asaneng also warned that police personnel who aided in the fugitives escape will face severe consequences once identified.