ALSO READ – Thabo Bester’s escape: Another G4S guard arrested

This follows the arrest and court appearance of Motanyane John Masukela (51) at the Bloemfontein Magistrate's Court on Thursday, 20 April 2023.

Second G4S security officer remanded in custody – VIDEOS

NPA regional spokesperson, Phaladi Shuping, says once the police investigations are complete, more people could be arrested.

The Facebook rapist and murderer Bester escaped from cell 35 in the Mangaung Prison in Bloemfontein under the guard of a British Security company G4S on 3 May 2022. He allegedly lived a high lifestyle in Johannesburg following his escape.

So far six people – including Bester; his girlfriend, Nandipha Magudumana; her father Zolile Sekeleni; former G4S security guard, Senohe Matsoara; and a technician, Teboho James Lipholo – have been arrested.

Today the sixth accused was remanded into custody until his next court appearance on 3 and 4 May 2023 when all except Sekeleni and Bester will be appearing for bail application.

ALSO READ: Father of Thabo Bester's girlfriend granted bail – VIDEO, PHOTOS

Bester staged a fire in his cell before he escaped from the Mangaung Prison in Bloemfontein in May 2022.

The charred body of an unknown person, who suffered blunt force trauma to the head, was found burnt beyond recognition after being planted inside his cell. The body was allegedly planted so that Bester could make his well-executed escape from the private prison.

Bester and Magudumana were on the run before being caught in Tanzania and returned to South Africa.

The Portfolio Committee on Justice and Correctional Services recently heard how Bester was moved to cell 35, despite it not being approved, from where he escaped. The cell is in a blind spot and is near an emergency exit.

After being returned to the country from Tanzania in a private jet, along with Magudumana, Bester was taken to the Kgosi Mampuru II Maximum Prison in Pretoria while Magudumana was transported to Bloemfontein under heavy guard, where she appeared in court.

So far it's understood that G4S has since suspended seven officials in connection with the Bester escape.

OFM News