MAHIKENG : The Department of Correctional Services (DCS) has launched a manhunt for an inmate who escaped from the Rooigrond Maximum Correctional Centre near Mahikeng on Sunday, 6 September.

The escapee, Edward Khomotso Madiba, was being held in the single cells on an additional charge relating to a previous escape when he allegedly broke out of the facility.

According to DCS, Madiba is serving a 20-year sentence for robbery with aggravating circumstances, possession of a firearm and ammunition, kidnapping and parole violation.

Preliminary information indicates that Madiba escaped after cutting through the burglar-bar door of the single cells. DCS has activated its security detail and is working with other law-enforcement agencies to trace and apprehend him.

Eight correctional officials have been served with notices of contemplation of suspension pending the outcome of an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the escape.

DCS has appealed to members of the public with information about Madiba’s whereabouts to immediately alert law enforcement.

The department has also instituted a full-scale investigation to determine how the escape occurred and whether negligence or a breach of security measures contributed to the incident.

-DCS 

-The VIP Team