Edward Kgomosto Madiba, a prisoner from the North West Prison was re-arrested by the South African Police within the 75 hours of escape from the Rooigrond Maximum Correctional Centre near Mahikeng. Officers arrested him near the Brits area on Wednesday September 9, 2026.
According to reports, Madiba escaped from the correction centre on Sunday September 6, 2026. In the centre he was serving a 20 years sentence for some serious crimes including kidnapping, parole violation, robbery with aggravating circumstances, possession of a firearm and ammunition.
The re-arrest of the Madiba was achieved through the joint collaborative efforts by Law enforcement officers, Correctional Services Officials of the Local Farming community. Moreover, Makgothi Thobakgale, the national Commissioner of the Department of Correctional Services shared the details regarding Madiba escape and apprehended.
He said, “The national tracing team was activated within hours of his escape and they were joined by other teams from the department, but also most importantly the national tracing team world with other law enforcement agencies”.
Thobakgale further stated that when they got to know about the escape of the Madiba they made sure that the organization would catch him within the first 72 hours. He also mentioned that in the preliminary investigation officers found that Madiba was assisted by someone to escape from the prison.
Additionally, North West Police Commissioner Lt General Arthur Admas stated that the officers received intelligence from the Brits SAPS detectives about the Madiba movements between the Brits and Damonsville areas. He acknowledged the efforts of the officers on the success of the operation.
Admas said, “This successful rearrest demonstrates the value of timely intelligence, coordinated operations and strong co-operation. I commend every member who remained committed to locating this escape and ensuring that he was returned to custody”.
Notably, Madiba has been officially handed over to the Department of Correctional Services and transported back to the Rooigrond facility where he is expected to face an additional charge of escaping from lawful custody.