Central SA
Thabo Bester escape: ActionSA calls for more arrests – VIDEO─── LUCKY NKUYANE 14:09 Mon, 17 Apr 2023
ActionSA in the Free State has called for more people to be arrested in connection with the Thabo Bester escape case, whilst also labelling the completed arrests as just “a drop in the ocean”.
ActionSA Free State chairperson, Patricia Kopane, says more people need to be arrested with further investigations conducted. She says it’s clear from the parliament portfolio committee meeting held in parliament last week that more people are involved in the Bester saga which has since attracted international interest.
"As ActionSA we believe in the rule of law, so this matter exposed how our justice system is dysfunctional, how our Home Affairs are dysfunctional because we as ActionSA believe that if the borders are so porous it then poses danger to us as a country. For example, Dr Nandipha and Bester managed to leave the country without proper documentation," Kopane added.
Kopane said this after four people, including Bester's girlfriend, Dr Nandipha Magudumana; her father, Zolile Sekeleni; former G4S security guard, Senohe Matsoara, and technician Teboho James Lipholo, appeared in the Bloemfontein Magistrate's Court.
The suspects appeared in court for the second time after their arrests last week. They face charges of murder, arson, defeating the ends of justice, fraud, and violating a dead body.
Sekeleni, who is accused number 2, was released on R10 000 bail by Magistrate Mohlolo Khabisi.
ALSO READ: Father of Thabo Bester's girlfriend granted bail – VIDEO, PHOTOS
The state did not oppose his bail. Sekeleni's case was postponed to 16 May, when he is set to also appear alongside Bester and others.
The state prosecutor, Sello Matlhoko, indicated that Sekeleni faces a Schedule 1 offence – aiding and abetting an escapee.
Matlhoko further indicated that a charge of murder had been withdrawn against Sekeleni.
The three other co-accused – Magudumana, Matsoara, and Lipholo – will remain in custody. They will reappear in court on 3 and 4 May 2023 for their bail hearing. The state is opposing their bail applications.
The four were arrested on different days following the leaked revelation that Bester faked his death in his prison cell.
On Friday 14 April 2023, Bester appeared in court and was charged with escaping from lawful custody, defeating the ends of justice, violation of a dead body, and fraud. He was added to the charge sheet of the four others.
