The co-accused of Thabo Bester’s former defence lawyer has been sentenced after pleading guilty to all charges brought against him.

Mamello Mnisi, who allegedly was the mechanic of Bester’s former defence lawyer, Marvin Carpede, was arrested alongside Carpede in the Batho Location, where they were allegedly found in possession of 500 Mandrax tablets, valued at R25,000, on Tuesday 10 October. However, the legal proceedings shifted when Mnisi pleaded guilty to the charges.

Subsequently, Free State and Northern Cape NPA spokesperson, Mojalefa Senokoatsane, confirmed that the charges against Carpede were withdrawn.

Mnisi was sentenced to 12 months imprisonment or a fine of R6,000, with a further 12-month imprisonment sentence wholly suspended for three years. Additionally, the drugs involved in the case were forfeited to the state. The verdict was delivered on Friday (26/4).

OFM News previously reported on the arrest of twelve suspects who had allegedly aided Bester’s escape from the Mangaung Correctional Centre on 3 May 2022. The accused, including Nandipha Magudumana's father Zolile Sekeleni, Matsoara, Lipholo, Makhotsa, Mier, and Makhetha, have all been granted R10,000 bail.

But charges were dropped against three people – Nastassja Jansen, Thabo Mier, and Moeketsi Ramolula – on Wednesday 11 October. During the last court appearance, Bester’s lawyer raised concerns over the alleged ill-treatment of his client.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi cg