Four people who are allegedly linked to Thabo Bester's escape – Magudumana; her father Zolile Sekeleni; former G4S security company guard Senohe Matsoara; and former technician Teboho James Lipholo – are expected to appear in court on Monday to face a string of charges.

The four accused implicated in the Bester escape, which has since attracted international attention, will be together for the first time since their respective arrests on different dates. 

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They were arrested by the police on different dates last week after they were linked to the Bester's escape from the maximum security Mangaung Prison in May 2022.

Magudumana and her fugitive boyfriend were arrested by the Tanzanian police after being on the run from the South African Police Services (SAPS).

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Following this, Magudumana's father was also arrested in the Eastern Cape whilst Matsoara and Lipholo were arrested in Bloemfontein.

The accused face charges ranging from murder, arson, defeating the ends of justice, fraud, and violating a dead body.

Meanwhile, the National Prosecuting Authority's (NPA) spokesperson, Phaladi Shuping, said the state has a strong case against Bester and his alleged accomplices.

On Friday, Bester appeared in court and was charged with escaping from lawful custody, defeating the ends of justice, violation of a dead body, and fraud. He was added to a charge sheet where the four other accused face several charges. 

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Bester lived a luxurious lifestyle after his escape from cell 35 in the Mangaung Prison on May 2022 after he staged a fire.

The charred body of an unknown person, who suffered blunt force trauma to the head, was found burnt beyond recognition after being planted inside his cell. The body was allegedly planted so that Bester could make his well-executed escape from the private prison.

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After being returned to the country from Tanzania in a private jet, along with Magudumana, Bester was taken to the Kgosi Mampuru Maximum Prison in Pretoria while Magudumana was transported to Bloemfontein under heavy guard, where she appeared in court.

Bester will not appear alongside the four accused on Monday since his case was postponed to 16 May 2023 for a police investigation. He does not need to prepare for bail since he is a convicted criminal already who should be serving his sentence.

OFM News