NORTH WEST PROVINCE – An inmate who escaped from Rooigrond Correctional Centre near Mahikeng has been apprehended in Brits after a three-day manhunt, with authorities suspecting the breakout was aided by officials inside the facility.
Edward Madiba, who is serving a 20-year sentence for robbery with aggravating circumstances, possession of a firearm and ammunition, kidnapping and parole violation, was caught on 9 September following his escape on 6 September.
Department of Correctional Services (DCS) National Commissioner Makgothi Thobakgale announced the recapture during a media briefing on Thursday, confirming that eight officials have been suspended pending an investigation into the escape.
Possible inside assistance
Madiba was being held in a single cell at the time of his escape while awaiting trial on a further charge relating to a previous escape attempt. Preliminary reports indicate he cut through the burglar-bar door of his cell.
However, Thobakgale raised concerns about possible insider involvement, stating that the cell door could not have been cut from the inside. Investigators also found decoy items at the scene which they believe were placed to mislead them.
“This outcome demonstrates that the department is not passive when an offender escapes. We activate our capabilities, mobilise our resources and pursue the offender until that person is back in custody,” Thobakgale said.
Multi-agency manhunt
The commissioner revealed that Madiba moved through several locations during his brief freedom, including Borakalalo Game Reserve, Lebotloane, Damonsville and Legonyane Village, before being tracked down to a flat in Brits.
A multi-agency operation involving DCS, the South African Police Service and other law enforcement agencies used technology and tracing capabilities to narrow the search and track his movements.
Madiba has been transferred to the high-security Kgosi Mampuru II Correctional Centre C-Max in Pretoria, where he remains in custody. He is expected to face additional charges related to escaping from lawful custody.
Officials held accountable
Thobakgale emphasised that the apprehension would not stop internal investigations into how the escape occurred. He confirmed that eight officials had been served with notices of contemplated suspension pending the outcome of the probe.
“Where wrongdoing, negligence or failure to comply with prescribed procedures is established, appropriate action will be taken,” the commissioner said.
He issued a stern warning to anyone considering escaping from correctional facilities, saying there is nowhere to run and nowhere to hide.
“We will not relent in pursuing those who attempt to undermine the integrity of our correctional system. Those who escape will be traced. Those who assist them will face the law. And those entrusted with the security of our correctional facilities will be held to account,” Thobakgale said.
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