Staff Reporter
Escaped prisoner Edward Khomotso Madiba has been recaptured in Brits within 72 hours of fleeing the Rooigrond Maximum Correctional Centre near Mahikeng, Correctional Services National Commissioner Makgothi Samuel Thobakgale said on Thursday.
Madiba, who escaped from the North West prison on Sunday, was serving a 20-year sentence for robbery with aggravating circumstances, possession of a firearm and ammunition, kidnapping and a parole violation.
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He previously escaped from Rooigrond in 2022 and was recaptured in 2025. At the time of his latest escape, Madiba was being held in a single cell while facing a further charge related to the earlier breakout.
“I can confirm that the escapee was apprehended within 72 hours, reaffirming the Department’s commitment that offenders who escape from lawful custody will be traced, apprehended and returned to the correctional system,” Thobakgale said.
“We will not relent in pursuing those who attempt to undermine the integrity of our correctional system.”
Thobakgale said Madiba moved through several locations in the North West following his escape, including Borakalalo Game Reserve, Lebotloane and Damonsville, before making his way to Brits.
He was eventually apprehended at a flat in the town.
“Our tracing capabilities, supported by technology and cooperation with other law-enforcement partners, played an important role in narrowing the search and tracking his movements,” Thobakgale said.
“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 warned other prisoners against attempting to escape.
“Let me therefore send a clear message to anyone who may be contemplating an escape from a correctional facility: there is nowhere to run and nowhere to hide,” he said.
Madiba has since been transferred to the Kgosi Mampuru II Correctional Centre C-Max, where he remains in custody.
However, the department’s investigation into how he escaped from Rooigrond is continuing, with eight correctional officials still suspended pending the outcome of the process.
“The successful apprehension of offender Madiba should not be interpreted as the conclusion of this matter. It is an important part of our response, but the Department remains seized with establishing the circumstances that led to the escape and determining accountability,” Thobakgale said.
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“Where wrongdoing, negligence or failure to comply with prescribed procedures is established, appropriate action will be taken.”
Thobakgale said the department would continue strengthening security at correctional facilities and hold officials accountable where necessary.
“To the people of South Africa, the offender is back in custody. The department is at work. 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,” he said.
