Edward Madiba’s escape was an inside job: Thobakgale
Madiba was re-arrested in Brits in the North West 72 hours after his escape.
Correctional Services National Commissioner Makgothi Thobakgale revealed that Edward Madiba, a convicted criminal who escaped from Rooigrond Maximum Security Correctional Centre, was aided by individuals inside the facility. Madiba was apprehended in Brits, North West, 72 hours after his escape and is currently held at Kgosi Mampuru Correctional Facility in Pretoria.
He was incarcerated for robbery, kidnapping, firearm offenses, and parole violations. Eight officials from Rooigrond have been suspended while an investigation unfolds. Thobakgale explained that the escape involved cutting through a burglar gate and the cell door, which he claims is highly improbable to achieve from inside the facility without external tools.
Additionally, decoy items were strategically placed to mislead investigators regarding the escape method. Consequently, 173 correctional services officials are currently undergoing disciplinary proceedings for various infractions, including smuggling contraband and undermining security. Thobakgale emphasized the establishment of a permanent national team dedicated to monitoring escaped inmates for years, acknowledging that their efforts will continue until all incarcerated individuals are accounted for.
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