Controversial couple, Facebook rapist Thabo Bester and Dr Nandipha Magudumana, appeared virtually before the Bloemfontein Magistrates Court today. Bester appeared from the Kgosi Mampuru Prison in Pretoria while his lover, Magudumana appeared from Kroonstad prison where she is being held. Magudumana’s father Xolile Sekeleni and six other co-accused appeared physically at the Bloemfontein Magistrates’ Court.

LOOKING GOOD

Just like with her past appearances, Magudumana served looks, all dolled up and wore bright pink lipstick with her braids tied all the way up. Her lover and co-accused Bester, appeared wearing an expensive black branded hoodie estimated to be over R15 000 and well kept than when he first appeared in March. All his hair was shaved off.

CHANGING LEGAL REPRESENTATIVES

Bester’s former legal representative officially withdrew from representing him. His new legal representation came on board. His new legal team says they never agreed to a virtual appearance of their client. They said they needed to consult with him and they were not able to as he is not in court. They requested that he be brought to court. The defence wanted to furnish the court with documentation that the man behind the screen is Bester. The magistrate responded and said the court has no reason to believe that the man before the court isn’t Bester.

CASE POSTPONED 

Both Bester and Dr Nandipha will be back in court on the 20 June. Bester asked the magistrate if he would be brought to court, and the response was that it would be discussed in due course. Magudumana’s legal representative, Advocate Frans Dlamini, had previously requested her bail application to be reserved due to the emergence of "crucial evidence", which has prompted the need for further investigation. "We were actually ready to proceed with the bail application, but after extensive consultation, it then emerged that there is material evidence which is very crucial in relation to accused number four’s matter, which is also crucial in the interests of justice that it must be procured in order for accused number four to be able to make a decisive decision in relation to this matter," said Dlamini.

CHARGES

Five G4S security guards are currently bidding for bail at the Bloemfontein Magistrate Court.They are facing, among others, charges of murder, aiding the escape of a prisoner and defeating the ends of justice in the daring prison escape of Facebook rapist and murderer Thabo Bester from the Mangaung Maximum Correctional Centre exactly a year ago.