Central SA
Bester's lawyers withdraw from case─── LUCKY NKUYANE 12:03 Tue, 20 Jun 2023
Thabo Bester's instructing attorney and advocate on record Jeremiah Pela have both withdrawn from representing Bester in his escape case.
Pela said they reached an amicable decision with their client Bester to withdraw from the case.
He made an application to Magistrate Mohlolo Khabisi, who in turn granted the recusal application. Khabisi requested Bester to confirm the application brought before him. It's understood that Pela faces charges of fraud emanating from an alleged irregular tender.
He is set for trial soon at the Free State High Court. Khabisi postponed the case to 8 August 2023 for further investigation.
State prosecutor Sello Matlhoko also told the court there are three outstanding warning statements.
Matlhoko said these include bank statements and phone records. Three more suspects could be arrested before the case gets transferred to the High Court for trial.
Meanwhile, eight suspects, including Nandipha Magudumana, are charged with varying charges including aiding and abetting a Mangaung Correctional Centre prisoner to escape.
The latest suspect to be arrested is Zanda Moyo, who is set to make a bail application.
So far nine people have been arrested. Nastassja Jansen and Zolile Sekeleni are out on bail.
