Another suspect has been arrested and charged with assisting convicted murderer and rapist Thabo Bester to escape from Mangaung Prison on 3 May last year. The man, a 31-year-old Zimbabwean national was arrested in Johannesburg on Sunday morning.
SUSPECT TO FACE MORE CHARGES
The latest arrest brings to nine, the number of people arrested in connection with aiding and abetting Bester to escape from prison. Police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said in a statement that the suspect is likely to face more charges. "At this stage, he faces a charge of assisting an inmate to escape from lawful custody. The suspect is expected to appear in the Bloemfontein Magistrate Court on Tuesday," Mathe said, adding that the police cannot rule out the possibility of more arrests.
OTHER SUSPECTS IN BESTER CASE
Others arrested in connection with Bester’s escape include his accomplice and lover, Dr Nandipha Magudumana, Magudumana’s father Zolile Sekeleni (65), former G4S employee Senohe Matsoara (39), CCTV technician Teboho Lipholo (44), suspended G4S employees Motanyane Masukela, (51), Tieho Frans Makhotsa and Natassja Jansen. The suspects, including Bester, are facing charges ranging from arson, defeating the ends of justice and aiding Bester’s escape. Sekeleni and Jansen were each grated R10 000 bail while the rest of the suspects were denied bail by the Bloemfontein Magistrates Court. They are all expected to re-appear in court on 20 June, including Bester and Magudumana. Bester is currently being held at Kgosi Mampuru II Prison.
