The case against four police officers accused of helping alleged illegal mining kingpin James ‘Tiger’ Tshoaeli escape from police custody, has been postponed to 29th May 2025 by the Stilfontein Magistrate Court in the North West.
The accused, Jack Motlhabya (37), Menzi Shabalala (38), Ntuthuko Dladla (40) and Samkelo Mbotho (38), are facing charges of defeating the ends of justice and aiding and abetting a detainee to escape.
According to the charge sheet, on 15th January several illegal miners were rescued and brought to the surface at a mine shaft in Stilfontein.
They were arrested by members of SAPS posted to perform duties on the Vala Umgodi Operations.
“A person known as Tiger was identified by several illegal miners as the person who was in charge whilst they were underground.
Tiger escaped on the same day, and the Anti-Corruption Unit launched an investigation which led to the arrest of the four officials.
On 31 January 2025, four SAPS members attached to the National Intervention Unit were arrested for defeating the ends of justice and aiding and abetting a detainee to escape,” said the spokesperson of the National Prosecuting Authority North West Division, Sivenathi Gunya.
Furthermore, the suspects appeared at the Stilfontein Magistrate’s Court on the same day and were released on R1000 bail each.
Meanwhile, briefing the media today in Stilfontein, the acting provincial Commissioner, Brigadier General Patrick Asaneng, said police are still on the hunt for Tiger.
“Our investigation is at an advanced stage without revealing the modalities.
The team dealing with this matter has assured me of that.
I’m very happy with the investigations and will unravel more on that soon,” said Asaneng.
