By Zuko Komisa

- Edward Madiba was rearrested in Brits within 72 hours after escaping from the Rooigrond Maximum Correctional Centre.
- The convicted robber was captured during a joint intelligence operation involving police, correctional officers, and game rangers.
- Authorities have placed him in a C-Max cell while investigating a potential inside job involving prison staff.
Edward Madiba, an inmate who made headlines by breaking out of the Rooigrond Maximum Correctional Centre near Mahikeng, has been rearrested in Brits after spending 72 hours on the run.
Madiba, who is serving a 20-year sentence for robbery, firearm possession, kidnapping, and parole violation, escaped on September 6, 2026.
Law enforcement officials cornered him around 10pm on Wednesday following public tip-offs that placed him between Brits and Damonsville.
The successful recapture was executed through a multi-disciplinary joint operation involving the South African Police Service (SAPS), Department of Correctional Services, and local game rangers.
North West inmate Edward Khomotso Madiba has been rearrested following his escape from the Rooigrond Maximum Correctional Centre is currently being held in the Kgosi Mampuru II Correctional Centre in Pretoria.#KayaNews #CorrectionalServices TT https://t.co/tDcTcvCtoi pic.twitter.com/jT069I8wYr
— Kaya News (@KayaNews) September 10, 2026
Following his apprehension, Madiba has been transferred to a high-security C-Max cell at Kgosi Mampuru II Management Area and now faces an additional charge of escaping from lawful custody. Investigators are also probing a suspected inside job, examining the potential involvement of eight correctional staff members and decoy items discovered at the original breakout scene—marking his second escape from the same facility since 2022.
Highlighting the swift response and inter-agency collaboration, regional correctional authorities stated:
“The swift rearrest of inmate Edward Madiba demonstrates our unwavering resolve and the effectiveness of our integrated security measures alongside law enforcement partners.”
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