The Portfolio Committee on Community Safety and Transport Management in the North West Provincial Legislature, has commended the arrest of four police officers implicated in aiding the escape of alleged illegal mining kingpin, Neo James Tsoaeli, known as “Tiger.”
Tiger allegedly escaped from the police custody in mid-January, after resurfacing from the mine shaft 11 at Stilfontein, in the North West.
The arrest of four police officers follows extensive investigations and tracing operations to find the officials who aided Tiger’s escape between shaft 11 and the Stilfontein police holding cells.
In a statement issued on Saturday, committee chairperson, Freddy Sonakile, commended the arrest of four police officers.
While noting the arrest as a step in the right direction, Sonakile warned this is far from enough to ensure full accountability and justice.
“The committee requests the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) to argue for the harshest possible sentence against these officers to set a strong precedent and deter further misconduct within law enforcement. Additionally, to explore additional charges beyond defeating the ends of justice, ensuring that the officers face the full might of the law for their role in this criminal act.
“Furthermore, internal disciplinary proceedings must be expedited to ensure that these officers are swiftly removed from the police service. If found guilty, they must face the strongest possible sanctions, as law enforcement cannot afford to retain individuals who actively undermine the justice system, and enable organised crime,” Sonakile said.
Sonakile added that the arrests of the officers, do not resolve the larger issue, as Tiger remains at large.
“Until he is recaptured and held accountable, the core of this crisis remains unresolved. The committee demands full transparency from law enforcement on the ongoing search efforts and expects a clear strategy to ensure his swift arrest.
“It is deeply troubling that at a time when Operation Vala Umgodi is making strides in combating illegal mining, corrupt elements within the police force are actively working against these efforts” Sonakile said.
He said the committee remains resolute in its plan to convene all key stakeholders to address the systemic failures exposed by this Stilfontein saga—including the influx of undocumented foreign nationals, weak intelligence operations, and the failure to enforce proper mine closure regulations.
“The North West cannot afford a compromised police force that enables criminals to operate with impunity. The committee will continue to push for greater police accountability, and a relentless pursuit of justice for all those involved in this criminal network,” Sonakile said.
Briefing the media on Sunday, National Commissioner of South African Police Service, General Fannie Masemola, said the arrested police have been removed from Operation Vala Umgodi, and internal departmental proceedings are currently underway.
Masemola announced that more than 1 700 illegal miners that were arrested from August 2024 in Stilfontein are still in police custody.
He said 121 illegal miners, including 80 Mozambicans, 30 Basotho nationals, 10 Zimbabweans, as well as one Congolese and Malawian, have already been deported. – SAnews.gov.za
