By OBAKENG MAJE
1 December 2025 – The police said a meticulous investigation conducted by a Mahikeng Detective regarding wanted suspects, led to the identification and re-arrest of three escapees from Rooigrond Correctional Centre between February 2010 and March 2022. In the first incident reported on Thursday morning, 4 February 2010, a detainee aged 28 and detained at Rooigrond Correctional Centre, was tasked to take rubbish to a dumping site, but he escaped.
The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adele Myburgh said at the time of the escape, he was serving 8 years imprisonment for robbery committed in Sannieshof. Myburgh said he was found in detention at Upington Prison serving a life sentence for a murder case committed in 2011.
“He will appear at Mmabatho Magistrate’s Court, for escaping from lawful custody today. In a second escape incident reported at Rooigrond Correctional Centre on Monday afternoon, 14 March 2022, Edward Khomotso Madiba (36), was found missing during roll-call. He was serving 20 years imprisonment for aggravating robbery and unlawful possession of a firearm.
“A Warrant of Arrest was obtained and he was re-arrested at Johannesburg Correctional Centre on 19 November 2025, where he was detained on another case. He appeared before the Mmabatho Magistrate’s Court on 20 November 2025, and was remanded in custody until 10 February 2026,” she said.
Myburgh further said in the last incident also reported at Rooigrond Correctional Centre on Monday afternoon, 14 March 2022, another inmate aged 39, was also found missing during roll-call. She added that an inspection of the cell indicated that burglar bars of a window were removed.
“He was sentenced to life imprisonment for two separate cases of rape and house breaking. Subsequent investigations led police to Bethal Correctional Centre, where the inmate was detained on another separate case. He will appear before the Mmabatho Magistrate’s Court on 3 December 2025, for escape from lawful custody,” said Myburgh.
Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo, applauded Sergeant Morongwa Evelyn Koboekae for working hard to trace, identify and bring to book all three suspects. Naidoo warned that dangerous criminals will not be allowed to roam freely amongst law-abiding citizens.
The Guardian 