Trail proceedings in connection with convicted rapist and murderer Thabo Bester’s escape from the Mangaung Prison, in 2022, is set to commence on 10 November.

Earlier today, Bester and eight others appeared in the dock of the Bloemfontein High Court for a pre-trial hearing over charges relating to his escape.

They face charges including fraud, corruption, aiding an escape, violating a corpse, and defeating the ends of justice. During today’s court proceedings, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) also withdrew charges against accused number 5, John Masukela, who was previously employed as an officer at the company G4S.

“I am going to withdraw the case against one of the accused. We can excuse him and he can go in peace,” said prosecutor advocate Amanda Bester.

A reason was not provided for said withdrawal and no objections were heard in the court.

[WATCH] The judge instructs convicted rapist and murderer Thabo Bester’s lawyer to consult his client after he told the court he might not see the trial through due to funds. #Newzroom405 pic.twitter.com/H66TvNzrcu

— Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) June 17, 2025