GIWUSA disappointed that police officers involved in escape of alleged Stilfontein kingpin

CAPE TOWN - The General Industries Workers Union of South Africa (GIWUSA) said it was disappointed that police officers were involved in the escape of alleged illegal mining mastermind James Neo Tshwaeli, known as "Tiger".

Tiger was extracted from shaft 11 earlier in January but escaped police custody.  

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Four of his colleagues, suspected of assisting in the escape, have been arrested.  

GIWUSA's president, Mametlwe Sebei, said: "It is absurd and indicative of a cover-up for the police to suggest that somebody in Tshaeli's condition could be the mastermind behind the multi-million rand industry." 

Meanwhile, police have warned the public not to speculate about the potential whereabouts of the alleged kingpin at Stilfontein mine.