An offender who escaped from the Rooigrond Correctional Centre in the North West has been apprehended, following a manhunt by the Department of Correctional Services (DCS).
This is according to DCS National Commissioner Makgothi Thobakgale, who announced inmate Edward Khomotso Madiba’s apprehension during a media briefing on Thursday.
Madiba escaped from the facility while he was being detained in the single cells on a further charge relating to a previous escape.
He is serving a 20-year sentence for robbery with aggravating circumstances, possession of a firearm and ammunition, kidnapping, and parole violation.
“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.
“We will not relent in pursuing those who attempt to undermine the integrity of our correctional system,” Thobakgale said.
The National Commissioner explained that Madiba moved through a “number of locations…including the Borakalalo Game Reserve, Lebotloane and Damonsville, before eventually moving to Brits, where he was apprehended at a flat”.
“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.
“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.
“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 warned.
Madiba has now been transferred to the Kgosi Mampuru II Correctional Centre C-Max in Pretoria, where he remains in custody.
READ | Manhunt underway for escaped Rooigrond Maximum Correctional Centre inmate
Further action
Thobakgale emphasised that Madiba’s apprehension will not curb any internal investigation into the circumstances leading to the escape.
At least eight officials have already been suspended pending the conclusion of internal processes.
“Where wrongdoing, negligence or failure to comply with prescribed procedures is established, appropriate action will be taken.
We will allow the investigation to take its course, guided by facts and due process.
“We will continue to strengthen our security measures, improve our operational readiness, hold officials accountable where necessary, and work with our law-enforcement partners to protect the integrity of the correctional system.
“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,” Thobakgale concluded. – SAnews.gov.za
