Bester and his girlfriend, Nandipha Magudumana, appeared virtually on Friday (28/8), while their co-accused and legal representatives were in court. During proceedings, Bester was seen arguing with prison warders before what appeared to become a physical confrontation, as another correctional official tried to calm the situation.

Technical problems made it difficult to hear what sparked the incident, prompting Judge Mareena Opperman to briefly adjourn proceedings. During therecess, Bester told his legal representative, advocate MoAfrika wa Maila, correctional officers had confronted him about the T-shirt he was wearing.

Thabo Bester and his girlfriend, Nandipha Magudumana, appeared in Free State high court virtually. Photo: Kekeletso Mosebetsi

“They were fighting, saying I’m not allowed to wear this T-shirt with polo logo. They wanted to take my clothes off, I must be in court naked, basically that’s what they fighting for.”

Bester previously complained about his treatment in custody. He has claimed that alleged breaches of confidentiality by correctional services have made it difficult to retain legal representatives. In 2023, he also claimed belongings worth R10m disappeared when he and Magudumana were arrested in Tanzania.

Magudumana’s lawyer, advocate Machini Motloung, meanwhile told the court the matter could not proceed to the trial initially planned for January. The defence is still awaiting judgment in her challenge to her return from Tanzania. Wa Maila also raised difficulties in properly consulting with Bester.

Judge Opperman postponed the matter to between 19 April and 18 June 2027 in the Free State High Court. State prosecutor advocate Dansi Mpemvane and the defence teams were also given time to agree on a date for a case-management sitting before the end of this year.

Bester, Magudumana and Zanda Moyo remain in custody. Co-accused Zolile Sekeleni, Senohe Matsoara, Teboho James Lipholo, Teiho Frans Makhotsa and Thabang Joel Makhetha are out on bail while the lengthy proceedings surrounding the Mangaung prison escape continue.

Other accused in the Thabo Bester prison escape case. Photo: Kekeletso Mosebetsi

The delays have also distressed Katlego Bereng’s family. His mother, Monica Matsie, says the prolonged court process is making it increasingly difficult for the family to obtain justice and establish what happened to her son. Bereng’s body was allegedly used as part of Bester’s escape plot.

Katlego Bereng’s mother, Monica Matsie, was also present in court. Photo: Kekeletso Mosebetsi

Bester reportedly escaped from Mangaung Correctional Centre in May 2022 after allegedly staging his death. Authorities allege Bereng’s charred body was placed in Bester’s cell before it was set alight, allowing Bester to escape while allegedly disguised in a correctional officer’s uniform.

Bester and Magudumana were arrested in Tanzania in April 2023 and returned to South Africa. They and several co-accused face charges including escaping from lawful custody, aiding and abetting an escape, fraud, arson and violating a corpse.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi sm

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