Picture: Timothy Bernard/African News Agency (ANA)
It’s going to be a long night for four people who allegedly helped convicted killer and rapist, Thabo Bester, escape from the Mangaung Correctional Centre in Bloemfontein last year.
Senohe Motsoara, Teboho Lipholo, Matanyane Masukela, Tieho Makhotsa, and Nastassja Jansen were hoping that magistrate Mohlolo Khabisi would rule in their favour, instead he ordered that they be remanded in custody and return to the Bloemfontein Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday for a further address on their bail application.
Bester’s lover, Dr Nandipha Magudumana is also an accused in this matter but has yet to apply for bail.
Her matter is due back in court in June.
Meanwhile, Justice and Correctional Services Minister Ronald Lamola says the SAPS is still investigating the case of alleged murder in relation to the body of Katlego Bereng, which was found in Bester’s cell.
Lamola said the SAPS was the right body that could give more details on their investigation into this case.
Bester allegedly fled the facility in May last year. At the time, the Department of Correctional Services said Bester died following a fire in his cell. He and Dr Magudumana were arrested in Tanzania last month. He remains in the Kgosi Mampuru prison and his last appearance in court in relation to his escape was done virtually.
IOL