๐๐ฟ๐ฒ๐ฎ๐ธ๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐ป๐ฒ๐๐
๐ ๐ฎ๐ป๐ต๐๐ป๐ ๐จ๐ป๐ฑ๐ฒ๐ฟ๐๐ฎ๐ ๐๐ณ๐๐ฒ๐ฟ ๐๐ป๐บ๐ฎ๐๐ฒ ๐๐๐ฐ๐ฎ๐ฝ๐ฒ๐ ๐ฅ๐ผ๐ผ๐ถ๐ด๐ฟ๐ผ๐ป๐ฑ ๐ฃ๐ฟ๐ถ๐๐ผ๐ป ๐๐ผ๐ฟ ๐ฆ๐ฒ๐ฐ๐ผ๐ป๐ฑ ๐ง๐ถ๐บ๐ฒ
Edward Khomotso Madiba, a convicted prisoner serving a 20-year sentence, is on the run after escaping from Rooigrond Maximum Correctional Centre near Mahikeng in the North West.
The Department of Correctional Services (DCS) said Madiba escaped on Sunday, 6 September 2026, while being held in a single cell on a further charge linked to a previous escape. Preliminary information indicates that he cut through the burglar-bar door of the cell.
Madiba is serving a 20-year sentence for robbery with aggravating circumstances, possession of a firearm and ammunition, kidnapping, and parole violation.
This is not his first escape from Rooigrond. In March 2022, Madiba was among four inmates who escaped from the facility after cutting through cell bars and climbing out of the prison. He was later traced to Johannesburg Correctional Centre and rearrested on 19 November 2025.
DCS has launched a manhunt for Madiba and is working with other law-enforcement agencies to locate and apprehend him.
Eight correctional officials have also been served with notices of contemplation of suspension pending an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the latest escape.
Members of the public are urged not to approach Madiba if they spot him, but to immediately alert the police.