South African authorities have launched an urgent manhunt for a key member of a Lesotho-based gang following a deadly police operation at an illegal gold mine in Stilfontein, where 78 bodies were recovered last week. The suspect, known only as “Tiger,” is believed to have been in charge of operations at the mine, which had been under heavy police surveillance. During the operation, Tiger managed to escape custody with assistance from officials, raising serious concerns over potential corruption within law enforcement.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) confirmed in a statement that an extensive investigation is underway to track down both Tiger and the officials allegedly involved in his escape. Authorities are focusing their efforts on a section of the mine known as shaft 11, where the suspect was last seen before making his getaway to the Stilfontein police holding cells.
The operation, which had drawn criticism for its harsh tactics, involved cutting off food and water supplies to miners in a bid to force them to surrender. After months of tension, a state-led rescue operation successfully brought 246 survivors to safety last week. Many of these miners were severely malnourished and weak, prompting concern over the dire conditions they had endured underground.
Reports from some survivors suggest that while food was available within the mine, gang leaders, including Tiger, hoarded the supplies, further exacerbating the already deadly conditions. Police have pointed to these leaders as being directly responsible for the deaths, with testimonies indicating that gang control over the miners was absolute, with any dissent met with violence and intimidation.
Illegal gold mining remains a major issue in South Africa, with thousands of individuals working in abandoned mines in search of precious metals. Many of these miners, including those involved in the Stilfontein operation, are believed to be recruited from neighboring countries, including Lesotho, and often find themselves trapped in a cycle of exploitation and danger. Some workers remain underground for months at a time, unaware of the hazardous conditions and ruthless control exerted by gang leaders.
Tiger, identified by miners as a key figure in the illegal operations, is facing serious accusations. Authorities have stated that video evidence in their possession links him to multiple cases of torture, assault, and even deaths, as well as hoarding food to maintain control over the miners. The police have vowed to track down the suspect and hold those involved in his escape accountable.
This case shines a light on the growing and dangerous industry of illegal mining in South Africa, a lucrative but deadly business largely controlled by criminal syndicates. As authorities continue to confront these criminal networks, the focus remains on dismantling their operations and protecting vulnerable workers from exploitation.