Rooigrond escapee rearrested in Brits after coordinated search operation

A convicted prisoner who escaped from the Rooigrond Maximum Correctional Centre near Mahikeng has been rearrested in Brits following a coordinated search involving police, correctional services officials and members of the local farming community.

Edward Kgomotso Madiba was arrested on Wednesday, 9 September, three days after he escaped from the correctional facility on Sunday.

Madiba was serving a 20-year sentence for robbery with aggravating circumstances, possession of a firearm and ammunition, kidnapping and parole violation.

According to North West police, the search was launched after information was received that Madiba had been spotted in the vicinity of Legonyane Village in the Bojanala Sub-District.

SAPS members, Department of Correctional Services officials and local farmers joined the operation, following up on intelligence and conducting searches in areas where the escapee was believed to have been seen.

Further information received by Brits SAPS detectives indicated that Madiba was moving between the Brits and Damonsville areas.

The intelligence was followed up and Madiba was eventually located and arrested at a licensed liquor restaurant in Brits.

He was handed over to Department of Correctional Services officials and transported back to the Rooigrond facility.

Madiba is expected to face an additional charge of escaping from lawful custody.

North West Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Arthur Adams commended the teams involved in the operation, saying the arrest demonstrated the importance of timely intelligence and cooperation between law enforcement agencies and communities.

“This successful rearrest demonstrates the value of timely intelligence, coordinated operations and strong cooperation between law enforcement agencies, correctional services and communities,” Adams said.

He also thanked members of the public and the farming community who provided information and assisted authorities during the search.