The Free State ActionSA chairperson, Patricia Kopane, said these constant virtual court appearances by Bester seem to suggest that he is more important to stand before a Bloemfontein Magistrate than the rest of the accused.  

Kopane said the state does not realise that it is hurting its image because they appear to be protecting Bester from being accountable. Kopane also gave an insight update on the case opened against the Free State Departments of Health, Correctional Services, and G4S. She said she was informed by authorities that the case would be joined with the main Bester escape case, instead of being investigated solo.

Today (20/6) Bester virtually appeared in court 19 and his case was postponed to 8 August 2023. He appeared from the Kgosi Mampuru Correctional Centre in Pretoria, wearing what appears to be a branded Louis Vuitton sweater. Online prices suggest that it may cost well over R22 000, converted from the advertised price of 990 British pounds.

Later on eight of his co-accused including Dr Nandipha Magudumana, her father Zolile Sekeleni, and accused 1 Senohe Matsoara appeared in the Bloemfontein Magistrate's Court. The case against them was also postponed to 8 August 2023 for further investigation.

The National Prosecution Authority in the province says the recusal of Bester lawyers from the case does not have a bearing on the speed of the case. The provincial spokesperson, Phaladi Shuping, tells OFM News that the fact that at least two firms have now recused themselves from representing Bester on the varying charges he faces will not negatively impact the case. Shuping says officials investigating this case are hard at work to ensure that suspects are held accountable for alleged crimes committed.

On Tuesday, 20 June morning Bester's instructing attorney and advocate on record Jeremiah Pela both withdrew from presenting Bester in his escape case.  

Pela says they reached an amicable decision with their client Bester to withdraw from the case. Pela made an application to Magistrate Mohlolo Khabisi who in turn granted the recusal application.

Khabisi requested Bester to confirm the application brought before him.

ALSO READ: Bester's lawyers withdraw from case

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 matter to 8 August 2023 for further investigation. The State Prosecutor Sello Matlhoko also told the court there are three outstanding warning statements.

Matlhoko says these included bank statements and phone records. Three more suspects are set to be arrested before the matter gets transferred to the High Court for trial.

Eight suspects including Maguduamana face varying charges including aiding, abetting, fraud, and violating a dead body among others.  The latest suspect to be arrested Zanda Moyo has abandoned his bail application. So far no people have been arrested. Nastassja Jansen and Zolile Sekeleni are out on R10 000 bail each.

OFM News