Kekeletso Mosebetsi
The case against convicted murderer and rapist, Thabo Bester, his girlfriend Dr Nandipha Magudumana, and their co-accused has been transferred to the Free State High Court.
They will make an appearance on 21 February 2024 for a pre-trial conference.
Magudumana and her co-accused are all implicated in Bester's escape from the Mangaung Correctional Centre in Bloemfontein last year.
Their court appearance on Wednesday was not without drama, as Magudumana was said to have passed out in the holding cells. She could therefore not attend the hearing, along with her lover, father, and other co-accused.
The state also announced the withdrawal of charges against Natassja Jansen, Thabang Mier, and Moeketsi Ramolula, all former G4S employees.
Also Read: Captured fugitive Thabo Bester abandons bail
In another turn of events, Bester, who addressed the court directly, said he appointed new legal counsel in Jan Loubser, who will be assisted by high-profile advocates, Zandile Moshololo, who is a defence lawyer in the Senzo Meyiwa trial, as well as seasoned advocate, Dali Mpofu.
Bester's surprised former lawyer, Kabelo Matee, said he was not aware of the changes, but Bester told the court that he was still part of the legal team as "there are still some things I want him to handle".
Read More: ’The Thabo Bester Story’ – book set to be available in October
A new charge sheet was also handed into court, containing 34 charges in the preliminary indictment.
Bester and Magudumana are on trial alongside Senohe Matsoara, a former G4S warden, Teboho Lipholo, a CCTV camera technician, Motanyane Masukela, a prison security guard, Tieho Makhotsa, a former G4S control room employee, Zando Moyo, a Zimbabwean citizen, and Joel Makhetha.
They face a string of charges that include fraud and corruption, aiding and abetting a prisoner to escape, and the desecration of a body.
Bester, Magudumana, and Moyo remain in custody until their first appearance in the High Court, while the bail of their co-accused has been extended.
