NW Police probe ‘corrupt cops’ for Stilfontein escape
North West acting police commissioner Patrick Asaneng has confirmed the involvement of police officers in the escape of an alleged illegal mining ringleader in the Stilfontein saga.
James Neo "Tiger" Tshoaeli allegedly escaped from police custody after he was rescued from the disused Buffelsfontein mine following a week-long operation to extract over 200 others from the shaft.
Over 2000 suspected illegal miners have been arrested since August through the police's operation Vala Umgodi at the mine and more than 80 bodies were retrieved.
“It was only upon verification and investigation, when he was supposed to be taken, that despite the numbers tallying this particular individual was unaccounted for and that’s when we started with the investigation. I want to say that the investigation was initiated not as a complaint from the other illegal miners, but because of the information that was brought to my attention. We cannot, as the South African Police Service, allow corrupt individuals and members to be in our midst,’ said Asaneng.
READ MORE: NW police hunting for escape illegal mining kingpin
He says the officers tasked with transporting suspects from the disused mine are the subject of the investigation into the escape.
Other miners identified Tshoaeli as the one who tortured and starved hundreds of individuals involved in illegal mining.
“Tiger surfaced with other miners on a particular day, as per our records we know who the members are who were on duty. We are not just investigating wildly; we know who the possible culprits in this matter are. We want to tie whatever loose ends, not based on suppositions and allegations, but we want to bring credible evidence before the courts.”
Asaneng has described the incident as an embarrassment, adding that all resources have been made available to ensure that all those found on the wrong side of the law are brought to book.
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