South African police have intensified their search for a notorious Lesotho gang leader, known as “Tiger,” accused of orchestrating illegal gold mining operations in Stilfontein, North West Province.

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The manhunt comes after the recovery of 78 bodies from an abandoned mine last week, shedding light on the harrowing conditions faced by miners trapped underground for months.

Escape and Corruption Allegations

Authorities reported that “Tiger” escaped custody during a police operation, allegedly with the assistance of corrupt officials. An investigation is now underway to identify and hold accountable those who facilitated his escape. The fugitive has been linked to multiple crimes within the mining operation, including violence, torture, and withholding food from workers.

Harrowing Conditions for Miners

The police raid on the Stilfontein mine resulted in the rescue of 246 miners, many of whom were severely malnourished and traumatized. Survivors accused “Tiger” and other gang leaders of hoarding supplies while workers endured starvation and inhumane treatment.

Illegal gold mining in South Africa, often referred to as “zama-zama” mining, is a perilous and unregulated industry. The activity is dominated by criminal gangs, many of them based in Lesotho, who exploit thousands of desperate miners—many trafficked from neighboring countries—to extract gold from abandoned mines.

A Deadly Underground Industry

The recent discovery of the 78 bodies highlights the deadly risks of illegal mining. With South Africa’s gold reserves dwindling and abandoned mines increasingly unstable, miners face extreme danger, including cave-ins, toxic gas exposure, and violence at the hands of rival gangs.

Law Enforcement Pledges Justice

South African police have vowed to bring “Tiger” to justice and dismantle the criminal networks profiting from the exploitation of vulnerable workers. “This tragedy underscores the urgent need to crack down on illegal mining operations and the organized crime syndicates behind them,” said a police spokesperson.

A Broader Crisis

The tragedy in Stilfontein has reignited calls for stronger regulation and investment in addressing the socio-economic drivers of illegal mining. As South Africa grapples with unemployment and economic inequality, the deadly industry continues to lure desperate workers into life-threatening conditions.

The capture of “Tiger” is seen as a crucial step in curbing the violence and exploitation endemic to illegal gold mining in the region.

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