Bester was arrested late Friday night in Tanzania along with Dr Nandipha Magudumana and a Mozambican national.

Ministers Ronald Lamola and Bheki Cele held a media briefing on Saturday informing the nation of the escapee's re-arrest in the country's sister nation. 

Lamola said the delegation would be received and assisted by the office of the High Commissioner.

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"We have confirmed with all the relevant authorities in Tanzania, which includes the National Commissioner of Police in Tanzania and Interpol, that the fugitives are being processed. 

"We are confident that we will receive maximum cooperation from our sister nation of Tanzania, to assist us to bring these fugitives to justice. 

"The level of cooperation has been exemplary thus far," said Lamola.

A case of murder investigated

Bester escaped from the Mangaung Correctional Centre in May 2022. 

Shocking details recently emerged of how his escape was possibly planned and executed in the facility.

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On 3 May, it was reported that Bester committed suicide by setting his cell alight. However, it emerged that the burnt body in the cell was not Bester.

"A case of murder is under investigation following the outcome of the DNA analysis that confirmed that the body of the deceased which was found, was not of Thabo Bester. 

"The autopsy report went on to further reveal that the deceased had died as a result of blunt force trauma to the head and was already dead prior to the arson incident.

"A case of escape from lawful custody was also registered on confirmation by the Department of Correctional Services (DCS) that Thabo Bester was not in their custody."

OFM News