Accused number 11 in the Thabo Bester escape saga, Joel Makhetha has been granted R10 000 bail unopposed by the state. He appeared alongside accused number 12, Moeketsi Ramolula and they are both former G4S employees.

Makhetha and Ramolula are facing charges of corruption, violation of a body aiding and abetting a convict. The prosecutor told the court that Makhetha's bail applications would not be opposed by the state. Accused 12, Moeketsi Ramolula has abandoned his bail application. Makhetha's Defence, Tshepo Thusi read his affidavit into the record for the bail application. "In his affidavit Makhetha says he has 4 children and has been suspended from G4S with pay. He says he earns R17 000. He's willing to hand over his passport." Makhetha's details were verified and the investigating officer confirmed that witnesses that have made statements are unknown to the accused.

Makhetha handed over his passport to the investigating officer and a list of 18 witnesses has been provided to Makhetha's defence that he may not communicate with. He must also report to the Bloemspruit police station between 8am and 4pm once a week. Makhetha's release on bail makes him the 7th suspect to be granted bail in the matter. Twelve suspects, including Bester, are expected back in court on the 8th of August. Bester, together with his lover Dr Nandipha Magudumana returned to South Africa in April, after their arrest in Arusha, Tanzania. Bester escaped from the Mangaung Correctional Centre in the Free State, in May last year. Bester and his 11 co-accused including Magudumana will re-appear in court on 8 August 2023 after their case was postponed for further police investigation. Bester, who has been attending court virtually since May will make his physical appearance in August.