Thabo Bester's newly appointed defence advocate, Lerato Moela, has complained that her client's treatment at Kgosi Mampuru Correctional Centre is affecting him mentally. The convicted rapist and murderer and his eight co-accused, including his lover, Dr Nandipha Magudumana, were back at the Free State High Court today.

UNFAIR TREATMENT 

Moela told the court that Bester is bringing an application over unfair restrictions at Kgosi Mampuru Correctional Centre. "It is difficult to consult with our client, and he is treated as if he is already guilty. His treatment at the prison is affecting him mentally. The case will be affected or delayed if Bester is not mentally stable," said Moela.

During his previous appearance, Bester had to appoint a new defence team after Advocate Mohamed Seedat withdrew his services in March. "We consulted with him several times, with the restrictions that are imposed by the correctional services, and some of the constriction obviously led to some of us catching flu because we consulted in extremely cold conditions at the centre," he added. 

FOLLOW THE RIGHT PROCESSES

In response, Judge President Cagney Musi insisted that the correct procedures be followed before the application could be heard. "For all intents and purposes, there is no application before me. I have not seen your papers, and I am not interested in seeing them now until after all sets of affidavits have been filed by people who have a material interest in the matter." The matter has been postponed to next week Wednesday to give two other accused a chance to apply for legal aid and pre-trial conference. Bester, Magudumana, and other co-accused are on trial for escaping from the Mangaung Correctional Centre in May 2022.