South Africa: Zama zama ring leader escapes; investigations point to help from police

Just a week after rescuing trapped illegal miners from the Buffelsfontein Gold Mine, South African police have reportedly allowed the ringleader of the illegal gold miners to escape.

The zama zama leader, identified by africanews as Lesotho national James Neo Tshoaeli, also known as “Tiger,” was among the miners who resurfaced but was never booked at any police station where survivors were taken.

According to the South African Police, Tshoaeli was allegedly responsible for the deaths of many miners underground. Witness reports and video footage revealed not only physical abuse inflicted on the miners but also allegations that he hoarded food and other essentials, leading to deaths from exhaustion and extreme hunger.

Police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe, in an engagement with local media, disclosed that investigations are underway to track his escape and who aided it. “Extensive investigations and tracing operations are underway to find those officials who aided his escape between Shaft 11 and the Stilfontein police holding cells,” Mathe said. “According to records, Tiger was never booked into various other stations where some illegal miners are being kept. Tiger is also not admitted at a local hospital for further medical care.”

By: Kobina Baidoo