In South Africa, the police have embarked on a relentless pursuit for an elusive figure known as 'Tiger.' Born James Neo Tshoaeli, the 42-year-old from Lesotho has been on the run since he allegedly escaped from police custody after being linked to illegal mining operations where dozens of bodies were discovered in January. Despite the authorities' attempts, Tiger remains a ghost in the desert of South Africa.
Through the mountains of Lesotho, we spoke with Tiger's family, who haven't seen him for years. His mother, Mampho, recalls a kind child who had dreams of becoming a policeman. However, after their father’s passing, Tiger became the family's primary breadwinner, opting for risky underground work rather than traditional employment. His mother often worries about his safety, fearing he may have met a tragic end in the mines.
As we navigate the rugged terrain to the village of Bobete, the heart-wrenching stories of families affected by illegal mining surface. Among them is Supang Khoaisanyane, a miner whose life was cut short in the same perilous depths Tiger allegedly inhabited. His family had hoped for better lives, but found themselves grappling with the stark realities of poverty, prompting many to seek work in South Africa's dangerous mines.
Authorities implemented extreme measures to tackle illegal mining, restricting food and water supply to flush out miners. This led to devastating consequences, with families like Khoaisanyane's mourning their lost loved ones. They express heartbreak over the pain endured underground, calling out the government's harsh tactics.
As South African police continue their search for Tiger, families still yearn for answers and closure, caught between a world of poverty and peril, searching for hope amid the shadows of loss.
