Four police officers arrested for alleged involvement in Stilfontein kingpin escape

Stilfontein

Cape Town — North West Police Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng confirmed that four police officers were arrested after they were believed to have aided the alleged Stilfontein illegal mining kingpin, Neo Tshoaeli.

Tshoaeli, known as ‘Tiger’ was retrieved from underground at Shaft 11 in the area during a government operation. The four officers – Jack Motlhabya, Menzi Shabalala, Ntutuko Dladla and Samkelo Mbotho – were arrested and made an appearance in the Stilfontein Magistrate’s Court, SABC News reported.
Asananeng said the investigation was done on the basis that the illegal miners had been resurfacing and they did not experience an escape.
“Our investigation was premised on the belief that Tiger or the suspect could only have escaped with the assistance of our members who were there on the day when he resurfaced,” Asananeng said.

Asaneng says four police officers are now accused of aiding the escape.

“Following this investigation, four of our members, who are on what we call detached duty for Operation Vala Umgodi in Stilfontein, have since been arrested and have been charged with 2 counts. The first count is that of defeating the course of justice and the second count is aiding a prisoner to escape. The four suspects have since appeared before the Stilfontein Magistrate’s Court and they have since been granted bail of a thousand rand,” he added.

Asaneng says other illegal miners had been resurfacing at Margaret Shaft, which is a few kilometres from Shaft 11, where a government-led rescue operation was taking place.

According to IOL, Asaneng applauded the arrest of these four police personnel in connection with Tshoaeli’s escape. Following their appearance in the Stilfontein Magistrate’s Court, all four members were given bail of R1000 each. Internal departmental processes are ongoing. Asaneng emphasised that no one is above the law.

“We are pleased but at the same time disappointed in the arrest of our own. Let the law take its course. We are still searching for tiger, we believe we will get answers soon by those allegedly responsible for his release from lawful custody,” he said.

Tshoaeli, a Lesotho citizen escaped from police custody when miners were hauled to the surface from the decommissioned shaft 11 at the Stilfontein mine. National Police spokesperson, Athlenda Mathe, said tiger was never booked into other stations were illegal miners were held and he was also not admitted at a local hospital for further medical care.

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Compiled by Matthew Petersen

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