‘Nowhere to run, nowhere to hide’ : The warning for anyone planning a prison escape - IOL

National Commissioner of the Department of Correctional Services Makhothi Thobakgale has issued a stern warning to anyone considering an escape from a correctional facility.

Anyone considering an escape from a correctional facility should know that “there is nowhere to run and nowhere to hide” - that’s a stern warning from National Commissioner of the Department of Correctional Services Makhothi Thobakgale.

He said the department continues its pursuit of offenders who attempt to undermine the integrity of the correctional system.

The warning comes after Edward Khomotso Madiba, a man who escaped from a North West prison while serving a 20-year sentence, was rearrested.

Correctional Services National Commissioner Makgothi Thobakgale announced in Pretoria on Thursday.

Madiba, who was imprisoned after being convicted of robbery with aggravating circumstances, possession of a firearm and ammunition, kidnapping and parole violations, was rearrested on Wednesday.

The department had earlier stated that Madiba from Rooigrond Maximum Correctional Centre near Mahikeng in the North West province on 6 September 2026.

Thobakgale confirmed that Madiba had been apprehended and was back in custody.

“The National Tracing Team was activated within hours on Sunday, and they were joined by other teams in the department. From the moment the escape was reported, our teams remained on the trail of the escapee.”

“They were persistent, methodical and determined, and it was only a matter of time before he was brought back into custody.”

“I can confirm that the escapee was apprehended within 72 hours, reaffirming the department’s commitment that offenders who escape from lawful custody will be traced, apprehended and returned to the correctional system.”

Thobakgale said the department would not relent in pursuing those who attempt to undermine the integrity of the correctional system.

“Without compromising operational methods and ongoing investigations, I can indicate that the escapee moved through a number of locations in the North West, including the Borakalalo Game Reserve, Lebotloane and Damonsville, before eventually moving to Brits, where he was apprehended at a flat.”

“Our tracing capabilities, supported by technology and cooperation with other law- enforcement partners, played an important role in narrowing the search and tracking his movements.”

According to Thobakgale, the outcome demonstrates that the department is not passive when an offender escapes.

“We activate our capabilities, mobilise our resources and pursue the offender until that person is back in custody.”

He issued a stern warning to all detainees in correctional facilities.

“Let me therefore send a clear message to anyone who may be contemplating an escape from a correctional facility: there is nowhere to run and nowhere to hide.”

Edward Khomotso Madiba, who escaped from a North West maximum-security prison on Sunday while serving a 20-year sentence, has been rearrested in Brits.

Thobakgale said Madiba’s apprehension should not be interpreted as the conclusion of the matter.

“It is an important part of our response, but the department remains seized with establishing the circumstances that led to the escape and determining accountability.”

“The department appreciates all those who contributed to the successful apprehension of offender Edward Khomotso Madiba, particularly our National Tracing Team, law- enforcement partners and all other structures and individuals whose cooperation assisted in bringing this matter to a successful conclusion.”

He assured South Africans that the department was at work.

“We recognise the seriousness of an escape and the potential to undermine public confidence in the correctional system.”

“We therefore respond with urgency, discipline and determination.”

Thobakgale said the internal investigation into possible inside job and the circumstances surrounding the escape was continuing.

“As previously communicated, eight officials remain on suspension pending the conclusion of the relevant processes.”

“Where wrongdoing, negligence or failure to comply with prescribed procedures is established, appropriate action will be taken.”

“We will allow the investigation to take its course, guided by facts and due process.”

Madiba has now been transferred to Kgosi Mampuru II Correctional Centre C-Max in Pretoria, Gauteng, where he remains in custody, Thobakgale said.

“The department will continue to strengthen its security measures, improve operational readiness, hold officials accountable where necessary, and work with law enforcement partners to protect the integrity of the correctional system.”

“Those who escape will be traced. Those who assist them will face the law. And those entrusted with the security of our correctional facilities will be held to account,” he added.