Bester and his accomplice Dr Nandipha Magudumana were arrested in Tanzania on Friday 7 April. 

Bester escaped from Mangaung Correctional Centre in Bloemfontein in the Free State on 3 May 2022 when a fire "broke out" in his cell. He was serving a life sentence of 75 years for murder and rape. 

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The South African Police Service (SAPS) say they confirmed with all relevant authorities in Tanzania, which includes the National Commissioner of Police and Interpol, that the fugitives are being processed. 

An official delegation from South Africa comprising senior officials from the police and justice and correctional services will depart for Tanzania on Sunday 9 April. They will be received and assisted by the office of the High Commissioner.

Meanwhile, a case of murder was registered and is currently under investigation after confirmation that it was not Bester’s body found in the burnt prison cell. 

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The autopsy report also revealed that the deceased had died as a result of blunt force trauma to the head and was already dead before the fire broke out. 

In addition, a case of escape from lawful custody was also registered following confirmation by the Department of Correctional Services (DCS) that Bester was not in their custody.

The Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni previously said the government is embarrassed by the escape of Bester. 

The Mangaung Correctional Centre is owned and operated by a multinational security company, G4S. Ntshavheni said Cabinet has instructed law enforcement agencies to ensure Bester is recaptured as soon as possible and also to make sure that all who aided and assisted him in his escape, face the consequences.

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The national police commissioner Makgothi Samuel Thobakgale previously announced that the contract between G4S and DCS has been referred for a legal opinion. 

Pressure is mounting on the department to terminate the contract with G4S after the controversial escape of Bester.

Bester allegedly lived a high life in Johannesburg after his escape from prison. 

"It is greatly worrying that a private vehicle was allowed inside the facility without a gate pass on the day of the escape, possibly carrying an unknown body that was burned beyond recognition. 

"This talks to a facility that has compromised its security systems beyond any reasonable doubt. Tempering with surveillance cameras points to a failed monitoring system, deliberately orchestrated to conceal crucial evidence and individuals who aided Bester to escape. 

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"The tempering of the security systems by G4S is also a failure to guarantee the safe custody of inmates and a breach in terms of the responsibility allocated to the contractor," said Thobakgale.

In December 2022, an inmate at the Mangaung Correctional Centre – who was under the guard of the security company – escaped from the Universitas Academic Hospital. Chris Potgieter escaped from the hospital on Tuesday 27 December where he had been receiving medical attention under guard.

He was later re-arrested. The spokesperson for DCS Singabakho Nxumalo told OFM News that Potgieter was re-arrested on the evening of Wednesday 28 December. According to a source, Potgieter was re-arrested by members of the SAPS in Koffiefontein.

Nxumalo said an investigation has thus been instituted to ascertain what happened and how Potgieter escaped on the day.

It’s also understood that three G4S officials have been suspended pending further investigations into the Bester saga.

OFM News