The General Industries Workers’ Union of South Africa (Giwusa) has welcomed the arrests of four police officers accused of assisting alleged Stilfontein illegal mining kingpin, Neo Tshoaeli. However, the union says it does not believe he’s the real kingpin.

Tshoaeli, popularly known as Tiger, escaped after emerging from underground with over 240 others during a government-led operation.

The suspects appeared in the Stilfontein Magistrate’s Court on Friday and were released on bail.

The union’s president, Mametlwe Sebei, says police must trace the real illegal mining kingpins.

“Just as corporate CEOs are rarely found on the shop floor, the real kingpins of illegal mining operations are never found in the dirty, dangerous shafts. Instead, they are likely living in luxury, residing in suburban mansions, driving luxury cars, and working in air-conditioned offices. These criminal syndicates operate above ground, controlling the illicit mineral trade through a network of middlemen, corrupt police officers, politicians, private security firms, and licensed mining corporations,” explains Sebei.

Stilfontein | Four arrested in illegal mining kingpin’s escape: