Eight Rooigrond Officials in Hot Water After Edward Madiba Escapes From Prison Again, SA Reacts
- The Department of Correctional Services has confirmed that an investigation is underway into a prison escape
- Edward Khomotso Madiba broke out of Rooigrond Maximum Correctional Centre in North West on 6 September 2026
- South Africans weighed in on the escape, with many questioning the role of prison officials in helping him get away
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Byron Pillay, a Briefly News journalist, has dedicated a decade to reporting on the South African political landscape, crime, and social issues. He worked as a newspaper journalist for 10 years before transitioning to online.
NORTH WEST - Eight correctional services officials face potential suspension after convicted criminal Edward Khomotso Madiba broke out of Rooigrond Maximum Correctional Centre, near Mahikeng, for the second time.
Department of Correctional Services spokesperson Singabakho Nxumalo confirmed that all eight officials had been served with notices of contemplated suspension while an investigation into the circumstances of the escape are conducted.
Preliminary findings indicate that he cut through the burglar-bar door of his single cell to gain access and flee the premises.
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"A total of eight officials have been served with notices of contemplation of suspension, pending the outcome of the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the escape," Nxumalo said.
How Madiba broke out of maximum security
Madiba, who is serving a 20-year sentence for robbery with aggravating circumstances, possession of an illegal firearm and ammunition, kidnapping, and parole violation, was being held in a single cell at the time of the escape.
He had been placed there on a separate charge linked directly to his first breakout from the same facility. This marks the second time Madiba has escaped from Rooigrond. His first breakout occurred in 2022, after which he remained at large for approximately three years before being recaptured and returned to custody last year.
South Africans react to the escape
The news drew sharp criticism from the public, with many questioning how a repeat offender managed to escape a maximum security facility twice.
Sanjay Maharaj commented:
"Edward proved it's not maximum security. Time to rename the prison."
Otsile Molton Sephai raised questions about how Madiba obtained tools:
"He was in a single cell, so where did he get the tools to cut the burglar bars? Another problem in SA is prison guards. Those people are corrupt to the core."
John Nkhumise wrote:
"This is bad, as he escaped for the second time from the same prison. The question is, how is it possible, because that is maximum security. Yah. It's obvious that many bad things are happening in that prison. The lives of the innocent are in danger now. The death penalty would have saved all this nonsense."
@MfunekoGeronimo joked about Madiba's hair:
"Coolio escaped to Gangster's Paradise."
@Dannis829958899 stated:
"There's no escape here. Those prisoners bribe their way out. We all know that corruption is thriving in South Africa."
Other stories about prisoners escaping
- South Africans were left amused after Gauteng prisoners allegedly turned into cats and escaped.
- Thulani Gcaleka, serving a life sentence for serious crimes, escaped from Sevontein Correctional Centre.
- A housebreaking suspect was caught on camera escaping from the Jeppe Magistrate’s Court on 18 February 2025.
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Source: Briefly News
