In a dramatic unfolding in South Africa's mining sector, a man known as 'Tiger', whose real name is James Neo Tshoaeli, remains elusive as police pursue him following a high-profile escape. The 42-year-old Lesotho native is believed to be a significant player in illegal mining operations at an abandoned gold mine near Stilfontein, where a harrowing discovery of 78 corpses surfaced in January.
Authorities launched a manhunt after accusations arose that Tiger masterminded the illegal undertakings, but after four months, his location remains unknown. Allegations point to several police officers who may have assisted in his escape, and while these officers await trial, the search for Tiger continues without success.
To uncover more about this mysterious figure, our team traveled to Mokhotlong, near Tiger's hometown in Lesotho. Here, we met his mother, Mampho Tshoaeli, who lamented their eight-year separation, expressing concern over her son's safety and his current lifestyle as one of the illegal miners, popularly referred to as zama zamas. She fondly described him as a once-peaceful child whose life took a turned when he became the family's primary breadwinner after their father's death.
Her younger son, Thabiso, chose to stay in Lesotho, tending to the family's sheep rather than following Tiger into the dangerous world of illegal mining. He reflected on how their childhood dreams were altered by circumstances and family responsibilities. The last sighting of Tiger by his family dates back to 2017 when he left for South Africa with his wife, who he later divorced.
In the chaos of illegal mining, Tiger is branded by some as a ring leader while others argue he served more of a supervisory role underground. Some friends challenge the narratives that depict him as a mastermind, suggesting that the real power lies elsewhere in the illegal mining hierarchy, typically in the hands of those far removed from the mines.
The conditions for miners in the Stilfontein region are catastrophic, as highlighted by the tragic story of Supang Khoaisanyane, whose body was uncovered among the deceased miners. His family resides in the remote village of Bobete, where they share the ongoing struggle of poverty, a reality that drives many to pursue the dangerous promise of work across the border. Reports indicate that many of these miners undergo unimaginable hardships, lacking food and proper care, exacerbated during recent government crackdowns on illegal mining.
As authorities push to rein in illegal mining, hunger and desperation among miners can have dire consequences, as seen in the case of Supang, who died holding hope for a better life for his family. His unfinished home represents dreams cut short, built in the hopes of a future that has now been tragically altered.
Families of the deceased mourn their losses while the hunt for Tiger remains uncertain, illustrating the broader socioeconomic issues entwined in the illegal mining industry and highlighting the despair faced by many in the region. As police vow to continue their search for Tiger, those left behind live in the shadows of uncertainty regarding their loved ones' fates.
Authorities launched a manhunt after accusations arose that Tiger masterminded the illegal undertakings, but after four months, his location remains unknown. Allegations point to several police officers who may have assisted in his escape, and while these officers await trial, the search for Tiger continues without success.
To uncover more about this mysterious figure, our team traveled to Mokhotlong, near Tiger's hometown in Lesotho. Here, we met his mother, Mampho Tshoaeli, who lamented their eight-year separation, expressing concern over her son's safety and his current lifestyle as one of the illegal miners, popularly referred to as zama zamas. She fondly described him as a once-peaceful child whose life took a turned when he became the family's primary breadwinner after their father's death.
Her younger son, Thabiso, chose to stay in Lesotho, tending to the family's sheep rather than following Tiger into the dangerous world of illegal mining. He reflected on how their childhood dreams were altered by circumstances and family responsibilities. The last sighting of Tiger by his family dates back to 2017 when he left for South Africa with his wife, who he later divorced.
In the chaos of illegal mining, Tiger is branded by some as a ring leader while others argue he served more of a supervisory role underground. Some friends challenge the narratives that depict him as a mastermind, suggesting that the real power lies elsewhere in the illegal mining hierarchy, typically in the hands of those far removed from the mines.
The conditions for miners in the Stilfontein region are catastrophic, as highlighted by the tragic story of Supang Khoaisanyane, whose body was uncovered among the deceased miners. His family resides in the remote village of Bobete, where they share the ongoing struggle of poverty, a reality that drives many to pursue the dangerous promise of work across the border. Reports indicate that many of these miners undergo unimaginable hardships, lacking food and proper care, exacerbated during recent government crackdowns on illegal mining.
As authorities push to rein in illegal mining, hunger and desperation among miners can have dire consequences, as seen in the case of Supang, who died holding hope for a better life for his family. His unfinished home represents dreams cut short, built in the hopes of a future that has now been tragically altered.
Families of the deceased mourn their losses while the hunt for Tiger remains uncertain, illustrating the broader socioeconomic issues entwined in the illegal mining industry and highlighting the despair faced by many in the region. As police vow to continue their search for Tiger, those left behind live in the shadows of uncertainty regarding their loved ones' fates.
