Escaped Rooigrond inmate Edward Khomotso Madiba rearrested in Brits

Edward Khomotso Madiba, who escaped from Rooigrond Maximum Correctional Centre while serving a 20-year sentence, has been rearrested and returned to custody, Correctional Services announced on Thursday.

How the escape unfolded and the response

Correctional Services National Commissioner Makgothi Thobakgale announced the rearrest in Pretoria on Thursday morning. Thobakgale said the department activated its national tracing team within hours of the escape and worked with other law enforcement agencies to track Madiba.

Thobakgale confirmed the offender escaped from the Rooigrond facility near Mahikeng “on the sixth of September in the early hours of the morning.” He said Madiba was apprehended “within 72 hours” and that investigators had found items planted at the scene to create the impression Madiba had used them to escape. Thobakgale said their investigations show Madiba “was assisted to escape from prison.”

Where and how he was caught

North West police said Madiba was rearrested on Wednesday after information about his movements in the Bojanala Sub-District was received. North West police commissioner Lieutenant-General Arthur Adams said a coordinated search operation followed reports that the fugitive had been seen in the vicinity of Legonyane Village.

Adams said further intelligence indicated Madiba was moving between the Brits and Damonsville areas. That information was followed up and led to Madiba being located and arrested “at a licensed restaurant in Brits.”

Aftermath and next steps

Madiba was handed over to officials from the Department of Correctional Services and transported back to the Rooigrond facility. He is now expected to face further charges of escaping from lawful custody.

Adams commended the “swift and co-ordinated efforts by law enforcement officers, correctional services officials and members of the local farming community” and said the operation demonstrated “the value of timely intelligence, co-ordinated operations and strong co-operation between law enforcement agencies, correctional services and communities.”

Background on the conviction

North West police said Madiba had been imprisoned after being convicted for robbery with aggravating circumstances, possession of a firearm and ammunition, kidnapping and parole violations.

This report is based solely on statements and details provided by Correctional Services and North West police.