Mahikeng – Convicted robber Edward Kgomotso Madiba, who escaped from the Rooigrond Maximum Correctional Centre near Mahikeng, has been rearrested.
North West police spokesperson Colonel Adéle Myburgh said the escapee was arrested on Wednesday, 9 September 2026, three days after his escape.
It was the second time Madiba escaped from lawful custody when he broke out of the prison on Sunday, 6 September 2026, by using a hacksaw to cut the cell bars.
The first tme Madiba escape he managed to elude authorities for three years before he was rearrested.
However, this time around Madiba’s freedom bid was short-lived.
Colonel Myburgh said the escapee was arrested in the Bojanala Sub-District.
Madiba was serving a 20-year sentence for robbery with aggravating circumstances, possession of a firearm and ammunition, kidnapping, and parole violation.
Narrating events leading to Madiba’s rearrest, Colonel Myburgh said police followed up on information that the escapee had been seen in the vicinity of Legonyane Village.
A coordinated search operation was activated, which included members of the South African Police Service (SAPS), the Department of Correctional Services and local farmers, with teams conducting searches and following up on intelligence leads.
“Further intelligence received by the Brits SAPS Detectives indicated that Madiba was moving between the Brits and Damonsville areas,” said the police spokesperson.
“The information was promptly followed up, resulting in the escapee being located and arrested at a licenced liquor restaurant in Brits.”
Madiba was subsequently handed over to officials from the Department of Correctional Services and transported back to the Rooigrond facility, where he will face further charges of escaping from lawful custody.
Commenting on the matter, SAPS Commissioner of North West, Lieutenant General Arthur Adams, commended law enforcement officers, correctional services officials and members of the local farming community for the swift and coordinated efforts that led to Madiba’s arrest.
Lieutenant General Adams said: “This successful rearrest demonstrates the value of timely intelligence, coordinated operations and strong cooperation between law enforcement agencies, correctional services and communities.
“I commend every member who remained committed to locating this escapee and ensuring that he was returned to custody.”
Lieutenant General Adams also thanked the members of the public and farming community who provided information and assisted the authorities during the search.
