POTCHEFSTROOM — 1 Dec 2025. A meticulous investigation led by Sergeant Morongwa Evelyn Koboekae of Mahikeng Detectives has resulted in the identification and re-arrest of three inmates who escaped from Rooigrond Correctional Centre in separate incidents between February 2010 and March 2022, the North West SAPS said.

Acting Provincial Police Commissioner Maj Gen (Dr) Ryno Naidoo praised Sgt Koboekae for “working hard to trace, identify and bring to book all three suspects,” adding that dangerous offenders will not be allowed to roam free among law-abiding citizens.

How the cases unfolded

• Escape 1 — 4 Feb 2010: A 28-year-old detainee escaped while taking rubbish to a dumping site. He was later found in detention at Upington Prison, serving a life sentence for a 2011 murder. He appears today (1 Dec 2025) in the Mmabatho Magistrates’ Court on an escape from lawful custody charge.

• Escape 2 — 14 Mar 2022: Edward Khomotso Madiba (36) was discovered missing during roll-call. He had been serving 20 years for aggravated robbery and unlawful possession of a firearm. A warrant was issued and he was re-arrested at Johannesburg Correctional Centre on 19 Nov 2025. He appeared on 20 Nov 2025 in Mmabatho and was remanded to 10 Feb 2026.

• Escape 3 — 14 Mar 2022: A 39-year-old inmate was also found missing during roll-call; an inspection of the cell showed removed burglar bars. He had been serving life imprisonment for two separate cases of rape and housebreaking. Follow-up work traced him to Bethal Correctional Centre; he is due to appear on 3 Dec 2025 in Mmabatho for escape from lawful custody.

Spotlight on detective work

Police credit Sgt Koboekae’s case-building—linking historical escape dockets with current correctional centre records and warrants—for closing years-old gaps. The re-arrests also underscore ongoing cooperation between SAPS and Correctional Services to verify inmate identities and movements across facilities.

-The VIP Team 

-SAPS NW