The Bloemfontein Magistrates Court has granted accused number eight in the Thabo Bester escape case R10 000 bail. Anastassja Jansen, a former G4S control operator, is accused of opening the doors for Bester on the day he escaped. He was wearing a G4S uniform at the time of his escape. Senohe Matsaora, Tebogo Lipholo, Mutenyane Masukela, and Tiego Makhotsa were all denied bail. The five are accused of aiding Dr Nandipha Magudumana to help her lover and convicted rapist and murderer Bester to escape from Mangaung Prison in May 2022.

BAIL CONDITIONS 

The Magistrate presiding over the matter Motlholo Khabisi gave judgment on the bail applications brought forward by the accused in the matter today. Delivering his judgment, Khabisi said the state's case against Jansen is porous. "The state did not prove beyond reasonable doubt that the interest of justice does not permit her to be released on bail," Khabisi said. Jansen's bail conditions include reporting at the nearest police station every Friday, between 6 am-6 pm, she may not contact state witnesses and she may not leave Bloemfontein without informing the investigating officer.

CHARGES 

Matsaora is facing 13 charges ranging from corruption, fraud, aiding and abetting, and defeating the ends of justice while Lipholo faces 10 charges ranging from defeating the ends of justice, violation of a body arson, and fraud. Masukela is facing 5 charges. Makhotsa is facing 6 charges, and Jansen is facing 3 charges. Khabisi said all accused submitted affidavits as part of their applications. Nothing further was brought. "In his affidavit, Matsoara intends to plead not guilty. He says he's been a Bloemfontein resident for 12 years. He says he will attend his case religiously with no intention to flee and survives on odd jobs as well as gambling. Matsoara also said he's a breadwinner and supports 3 children. He claims his incarceration will negatively impact his ability to make money for his children. Matsoara has voluntarily handed in his passport. He doesn't have previous convictions or pending cases. He says he doesn't have a desire to interfere with investigations and his release won't jeopardize his safety," Khabisi said.

SUMMARY OF THE EVIDENCE 

 Magistrate Khabisi added that the investigating officer said Matsoara is the one who drove Katlego Bereng's corpse into the prison. "Magudumana is the one who claimed Bereng's body. Bereng was never buried instead mielie meal was found in the coffin after it was exhumed," added Khabisi. Bereng's body was used as a decoy in Bester's escape. He added that the investigating officer said Lipholo took the corpse to Bester's cell and disconnected the cameras. He also pretended to clock out of work. "Smoke was reported in cell 35 (Bester's cell). When the fire was extinguished, charred remains were found under the mattress and it was believed Bester had committed suicide," he added. Bester was given a G4S uniform. Makhotsa and Jansen opened the gates to allow Bester to escape. The investigating officer said all accused were motivated by money. However, there is no proof that Masukela and Jansen were paid. 

BAIL DENIED

Khabisi said that based on evidence submitted to the court, he was convinced there was a prima facie case against Matsoara, Lipholo, Masukela, and Makhotsa. "It is hard to find that the personal circumstances of the applicants outweigh the interest of justice in this case. I, therefore, find that the interest of justice does not permit the release of applicants one to four on bail. As such, bail is denied. Khabisi rejected the evidence by Matsoara, Lipholo, Masukela, and Makhotsa when they said they do not know the state witnesses and potential State witnesses reported to be their co-workers. "That argument will defy logic and is questionable," Khabisi said. All the suspects, including Bester, Magudumana, and her father Xolile Sekeleni will appear in court on 20 June.