Manhunt for Lesotho Gang Leader Following Illegal Mine Tragedy in South Africa
South African police are searching for a Lesotho gang leader named Tiger who escaped during a siege at an illegal gold mine where 78 bodies were found. His alleged role in preventing miners from accessing food has raised serious concerns, as has the police’s controversial tactics in confronting miners. Thousands are engaged in illegal mining, controlled by gangs, often subjected to extreme conditions.
South African police have initiated a manhunt for a suspected gang leader from Lesotho who evaded capture during a recent police operation at an illegal gold mine. This operation resulted in the recovery of 78 bodies, leading authorities to intensify their search for the individual, known as “Tiger.” Reports indicate that he managed to escape while police were monitoring the site in Stilfontein, allegedly aided by corrupt officials.
The South African Police Service stated that extensive investigations are being conducted to identify any personnel who facilitated Tiger’s escape, which occurred between a mining shaft and the police holding cells. This manhunt comes after criticism of the police’s long-term strategy, which involved cutting off essential supplies to miners to flush them out, ultimately leading to a risky rescue operation last week.
During this operation, 246 miners were rescued, with many displaying signs of severe malnutrition. Police officials noted that during their investigation, some miners alleged that food was available underground, but gang leaders, including Tiger, withheld it from the workers, prioritizing their gain over safety and well-being.
Illegal gold mining in South Africa is rampant, with thousands involved in these hazardous operations in abandoned mines, often motivated by leftover gold. Reports suggest that these activities are heavily controlled by Lesotho-based gangs, with many workers recruited illegally from nearby nations without understanding the perilous nature of their tasks. Tiger is specifically identified as a central figure in overseeing these operations and is implicated in various crimes, including violence against fellow miners.
The police claim that Tiger is linked to several fatalities and instances of brutality underground, supported by video evidence currently under investigation. His actions, along with those of other gang leaders, have sparked a significant outcry regarding the treatment and conditions faced by illegal miners in South Africa.
The ongoing manhunt for the gang leader Tiger highlights the dangers of illegal gold mining in South Africa, where unregulated operations lead to severe consequences, including loss of life. The complicity of some officials in aiding criminals raises serious concerns about corruption within law enforcement. As authorities continue to investigate, the humanitarian implications for the miners trapped in these conditions remain pressing.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
