BRITS : Rooigrond Maximum Correctional Centre escapee Edward Kgomotso Madiba has been rearrested in Brits following a coordinated search operation involving the South African Police Service (SAPS), correctional services officials and members of the local farming community.

Madiba escaped from the correctional centre near Mahikeng on Sunday, 6 September, while serving a 20-year sentence for robbery with aggravating circumstances, possession of a firearm and ammunition, kidnapping and parole violation.

According to SAPS North West, information received placed Madiba in the vicinity of Legonyane Village. Further intelligence indicated that he was moving between Brits and Damonsville.

Brits SAPS detectives followed up on the information, resulting in Madiba being located and arrested at a licensed liquor restaurant in Brits on Wednesday, 9 September.

He was handed over to Department of Correctional Services officials and transported back to Rooigrond, where he will face an additional charge of escaping from lawful custody.

North West Provincial Commissioner Lt Gen Arthur Adams commended the coordinated operation and thanked law enforcement officers, correctional services officials, members of the public and the farming community for assisting authorities in locating the escapee.

-The VIP Team 

-SAPS NW