The South African Police Service (SAPS) is searching for a Lesotho national known as "Tiger," who is suspected of organizing illegal gold mining at an abandoned mine in Stilfontein, police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe told SABC News.
"Tiger" escaped from police custody after being rescued from the shaft along with other illegal miners, the spokesperson explained, also saying that the alleged criminal disappeared while being transported to a police station, suggesting internal assistance with the escape.
"During a routine inspection, it became clear he was no longer in custody. […] The only logical conclusion is that someone let him free. Preliminary investigations indicate he was released between the mine site and the police station, likely with internal assistance," Mathe noted, adding that an investigation into police involvement has been launched.
Three other suspected gang leaders remain in custody, she pointed out.
Last Monday, South African mine rescue services and law enforcement agencies started carrying out a four-day rescue operation at the Stilfontein mine, which resulted in the retrieval and arrest of 246 illegal miners and the discovery of 78 bodies, the SAPS reported.
According to the SAPS, of the 246 illegal miners arrested, 128 are Mozambican, 80 are from Lesotho, 33 are Zimbabwean, and five are South African.
The bodies of the dead miners are reportedly being identified, with only two bodies recognized on Tuesday.
As South African authorities continue their Operation Vala Umgodi, aimed to tackle illegal mining in the North West province of the country, more than 1,500 illegal miners have emerged through various shafts in Stilfontein since November 2024.