The Thabo Bester and co-accused matter was postponed for the accused to apply for legal representation

25 July 2024

Thabo Bester, Dr Nandipha Magudumane, and seven co-accused have appeared again in the High Court of South Africa: Free State Division sitting in Bloemfontein. During their appearance on 05 June 2024, meant for a pre-trial Conference, Thabo Bester indicated to the court that he was to appoint new legal representations. Thabo Bester has to date appointed numerous legal representations in his defence. The court was also informed that accused number 3 and accused 6 did not have legal representation during their appearance on 24 July 2024. The accused had also previously requested the court to afford the new legal representatives time to get copies of the docket and be able to consult with their clients.

The Prosecution will be ready to proceed with the matter when all the accused legal representation issues have been ironed out. Thabo Bester, Dr Nandipha Magudumane, Senohe Matsoara, Zolile Sekeleni, Teboho Liphoko, Buti Masukela, Tieho Makhotsa, Zanda Moyo, and Joel Makhetha are facing charges of fraud, corruption, assisting an inmate to escape, violation of the body, arson, and defeating the ends of justice. The eight accused are alleged to have assisted Thabo Bester's escape at the Mangaung Correctional Facility where he was serving a sentence for murder and rape. After his escape, Thabo Bester and Nandipha Magudumane became fugitives and the authorities in Arusha, Tanzania arrested them and subsequently deported them to South Africa.

Thabo Bester, Dr Nandipha Magudumane, and Zanda Moyo are remanded in custody after they were denied bail by the Bloemfontein District Court. The other six accused are out on bail of R10 000 each. The matter will be back in court on 31 July 2024 for the accused legal representation matters.

Issued by Mojalefa Senokoatsane, NPA Regional Spokesperson, Acting Free State Division, 25 July 2024