Connect with us

411

Illegal Miners Under Heavy Guard in North West Hospital Amid Search for Escaped Kingpin

Published

on

The North West Department of Health has confirmed that all hospitalised illegal miners at Tshepong/Klerksdorp Hospital are in stable condition and under strict security measures.

According to spokesperson Tshegofatso Mothibedi, most of the miners are suffering from dehydration. “It is an issue of water … that is what we realized as a department in as far as those who have been checked by our doctors and nurses. The issue here is dehydration,” Mothibedi told Newzroom Afrika.

The miners, who are under police custody, are isolated in a secure ward. “Both visitors and patients are secured. But what we have done in this instance, because this one is quite a unique case involving all sorts of allegations around violence, escapes, and all that, we have made sure that we isolate them,” Mothibedi said.

He added that hospital security has been reinforced in collaboration with the police to ensure no breaches occur.

Meanwhile, law enforcement authorities are searching for James Neo Tshoaeli, also known as “Tiger,” a Lesotho national and alleged kingpin of illegal mining activities in Stilfontein. Tshoaeli reportedly escaped police custody after surfacing from a mine shaft last week.

North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng, has expressed frustration over the situation, stating, “The fact of the matter is that there are many good police officers out there, and if there are those who are involved in aiding Tiger, an example should be made out of them to show them that they have chosen a wrong career in the police and they must be dealt with harshly.”

Morweng has urged community members to come forward with any information about Tshoaeli’s whereabouts.

Illegal mining, commonly referred to as “zama-zama” activities, has been a significant challenge in the North West province. These operations often involve dangerous working conditions and have been linked to organised crime.

The escape of Tshoaeli, believed to be a leader in the illegal mining network, highlights ongoing security concerns. Morweng has called for accountability, especially for any police officers who may have assisted in his escape. “We can’t tolerate those kinds of officers in our ranks,” he said.

As authorities continue their search, the spotlight remains on ensuring tighter security measures for both the miners in custody and the broader community impacted by illegal mining activities.

Follow Joburg ETC on Facebook, Twitter , TikTok and Instagram

For more News in Johannesburg, visit joburgetc.com