Klerksdorp Record, Stilfontein - While there is still no news on the alleged zama-zama mastermind who disappeared from police custody, SAPS are refuting claims that they are withholding health care to illegal miners in police holding cells.
The Department of Health announced on Monday January 20 that one of the illegal miners admitted to Tshepong Hospital died. Kolai Rankomo was diagnosed with gastroenteritis and dehydration. He was one of 33 zama-zama patients admitted to hospital under police guard following their arrest last week at the disused mine in the rescue operation.
Brig Athlenda Mathe, police spokesperson, said health care is provided to illegal miners in police holding cells. “On a daily basis, SAPS members conduct inspections at police holding cells and those that require medical care are referred and admitted to hospital.’’ On Tuesday January 21, 32 of them were still in hospital.
In the meantime, Genl Maj Patrick Asaneng, acting provincial commissioner, said no stone will be left unturned to find the persons responsible in helping James Neo Tshoaeli, known as Tiger, escape. It seems that Tiger was helped by someone in the police to escape police custody. According to records, he was never booked into various other stations where some illegal miners are being kept. He is also not admitted at a local hospital for medical care.
Brig Mathe described Tiger as one of the kingpins who ruled underground. “Tiger is being fingered in several statements as one of the ring leaders who controlled operations underground. He is also being accused by some illegal miners who resurfaced as being allegedly responsible for some deaths, assault and torture that is alleged to have taken place according to videos in police possession. He is also alleged to have hoarded and kept food away from other illegal miners.’’
Major General Asaneng has also warned that heads will roll once they find those officials that aided the kingpin to escape from police custody.
Tiger is considered to be dangerous. Anyone with any information is requested to share it with their local police station.
