The trial of Thabo Bester, Nandipha Magudumana, and seven others is set to commence early next year. This follows their appearance in the Free State High Court on Wednesday.
During proceedings, the presiding judge called the argument by Bester’s legal team “half-baked” as they allege he experiences ill-treatment in the Kgoši Mampuru II Correctional Facility in Pretoria, where he is incarcerated.
The Department of Justice and Correctional Services (DCS) also hit back at Bester’s allegations, citing that he, like any other inmate, is not entitled to the luxuries he had prior to imprisonment. In a lengthy statement released the same day, the department further dispelled claims that he was being held in solitary confinement and was not given enough time with his lawyers. These were the allegations made by the accused in a prior court appearance.
“The manner in which Thabo Bester has been treated is consistent with what is prescribed by the Correctional Services Act and the regulations promulgated under the Act. Basically, safe and humane custody of inmates is at the centre of the correctional system.”
Bester, at his 5 June appearance, requested extended in-person legal consultations and access to electronic devices such as laptops or tablets, arguing that the current arrangements are inadequate for preparing his defence.
The DCS rejected these requests, citing security concerns and the impracticality of such measures. They say granting him exclusive access to a consultation room for several hours each day would would impinge on the rights of other inmates.
Furthermore, the department noted that strict security measure should be implemented to deal a criminal like him.
“As DCS, it is clear that we are dealing with an inmate capable of engineering elaborate means to escape from lawful custody. Hence, we are duty-bound to employ strict security measures, within the confines of the law, in order to prevent any chance of him escaping once again.”
— The Department Correctional Services 🇿🇦 (@DCS_ZA) July 31, 2024
Prison break trial
Judge President Cagney Musi set 10 February as the date for the trial in Bester’s prison escape case to commence.
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The eight accused will be tried in connection with Bester’s escape from Mangaung Correctional Facility in Bloemfontein, two years ago. They face a range of charges including arson, aiding and abetting a prisoner escape, fraud and corruption.
READ MORE: GroundUp exposes Bester’s escape from prison
