News24 reports that a clandestine operation by police investigators in the North West led to the arrest of four police officers accused of allegedly assisting wanted fugitive and alleged zama zama kingpin, James Neo "Tiger" Tshoaeli escape.

Tshoaeli, a Lesotho national, escaped custody immediately after being brought to the surface from a Stilfontein mine shaft on 15 January. The four officers, connected to Operation Vala Umgodi in Stilfontein, made their first appearance on Friday for allegedly aiding Tshoaeli. They were arrested on Friday morning and promptly taken to the Stilfontein Magistrate's Court, where they were granted R1,000 bail. They are Warrant Officer Jack Motlhabya, Warrant Officer Menzi Shabalala, Sergeant Ntutuko Dladla and Sergeant Samkelo Mbotho. The four are expected back in court on 5 March. The four officers were part of the team deployed to Stilfontein. Their commanders from various units have been informed so that internal processes can begin. Tshoaeli has been accused of assaulting, killing, starving, and hoarding food from other illegal miners who reported to him underground. He was the last person to reach the surface after 246 individuals and 78 decomposed bodies emerged over the course of three days at shaft 11. He allegedly disappeared from inside a police vehicle en route to the Stilfontein police station for detention.

• Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Ntwaagae Seleka at News24 (subscription or trial registration required)
• Read too, Four cops arrested for allegedly aiding zama zama kingpin escape removed from Vala Mogodi operation, at News24 (subscription or trial registration required)
• And also, Four police officers face disciplinary action over illegal mining allegations, at IOL News

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