Negligence, possible collusion exposed in Rooigrond prison escape, says Groenewald

Correctional services minister Pieter Groenewald has told parliament that the escape of convicted criminal Edward Khomotso Madiba from Rooigrond Maximum Correctional Centre exposed operational negligence, non-compliance with security procedures and possible collusion.

Responding to questions from ANC MP Kgomotso Ramolobeng, Groenewald said the incident had also highlighted structural deficiencies at the facility, including the need for better security lighting and surveillance cameras.

Ramolobeng had asked whether the existing security and risk-management measures at maximum-security facilities were sufficient, given concerns about Madiba’s escape and his reported history of escaping from custody.

The question also sought details of weaknesses exposed by the incident and what changes the department was considering to prevent future escapes, particularly involving inmates with a known history of escaping.

Groenewald said investigations into the circumstances surrounding the failure to comply with standard operating procedures (SOP) had been instituted and would be handled by the investigating team appointed by the national commissioner.

“Furthermore, parades are being conducted during change of shifts to ascertain staff fitness for duty and/or adherence to handing/take over procedures,” Groenewald said.

Madiba escaped from the Rooigrond facility near Mahikeng in the early hours of September 6 while serving a 20-year sentence.

He was rearrested in Pretoria last month after the department activated its national tracing team and worked with other law enforcement agencies to track him down.

Investigations by the department indicated that Madiba “was assisted to escape from prison”.

North West police said his arrest followed intelligence about his movements in the Bojanala sub-district.

Provincial police commissioner Lt-Gen Arthur Adams said a co-ordinated search operation was launched after reports that the fugitive had been seen near Legonyane village.

After the escape, eight correctional services officials at Rooigrond were served with notices of contemplated suspension pending an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

In response to the escape, Groenewald outlined a series of measures the department would consider or implement to strengthen security and the management of high-risk inmates.

These include considering the placement of rearrested escapees in higher-classification secure facilities such as C-Max and Ebongweni Correctional Centre and reassessing escapees already held at the facility for possible placement in Unit 6 for closer monitoring.

The department also plans to deploy more experienced emergency support team officials under the direct command of the head of the centre, increase day and night patrols and ensure that tower posts are fully manned throughout the night.

Groenewald said night shifts would be sufficiently supervised by senior and experienced officials while guidelines would be developed for training officials responsible for managing high-risk detainees and escapees.

Other measures include monthly certification of the effectiveness of security fencing by the facilities manager and head of the correctional centre, with reports submitted to the area commissioner.

Officials will also be familiarised with the findings of escape investigations during personnel and security meetings, while action plans will be developed to ensure investigations into escapes are finalised.

The proposed measures come as the department seeks to address the security failures identified in Madiba’s escape and strengthen safeguards against similar incidents.