Authorities in South Africa remain baffled by the disappearance of James Neo Tshoaeli, a 42-year-old man from Lesotho widely known by his alias, “Tiger.” He has been on the run for over four months after allegedly escaping police custody in a high-profile case linked to illegal mining and mass deaths.
Tiger is accused of leading a sophisticated illegal gold mining syndicate operating in abandoned shafts near Stilfontein in North West province. In January 2025, authorities discovered the decomposing bodies of 78 suspected illegal miners—commonly known as zama zamas—in one of the disused mines. The case sparked national outrage and calls for a crackdown on illicit mining operations across South Africa.
Shortly after his arrest in early 2025, Tiger reportedly escaped from custody under suspicious circumstances. Four police officers believed to have assisted in his escape are currently out on bail and facing charges related to aiding a fugitive. Efforts to locate Tiger have so far been unsuccessful, despite a nationwide manhunt and cross-border intelligence collaboration. He is believed to have fled to Lesotho, his country of origin. The BBC traced his roots to Mokhotlong, a remote mountainous town five hours from the capital, Maseru, but found no concrete leads on his current location.
The case has underscored the growing influence and dangers of illegal mining networks in southern Africa. South African police and intelligence units are under pressure to capture Tiger, whose escape has become a major embarrassment for law enforcement. Victims’ families and communities continue to demand justice and answers about what happened in the dark, dangerous tunnels beneath Stilfontein. Tiger remains one of the country’s most wanted fugitives.
