Magistrate Mohlolo Khabisi granted Zolile Sekeleni (65) bail. 

Sekeleni is accused number 2 in the matter where five people, Bester included, face many charges related to his fake death and escape from a maximum security prison in Bloemfontein.

Sekeleni's case was postponed to 16 May, when he is set to also appear alongside Bester and others. 

The state prosecutor indicated that Sekeleni faces a Schedule 1 offence – aiding and abetting an escapee.

The three other co-accused – Dr Nandipha Magudumana, former G4S security guard Senohe Matsoara, and former G4S technician Teboho James Lipholo – will remain in custody. They will reappear in court on 3 and 4 May 2023 for their bail hearing.

The four were arrested on different days following the leaked revelation that Bester faked his death by fire in his prison cell. 

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The Tanzanian police arrested Magudumana and Bester after being on the run from the South African Police Services (SAPS) after this information. Matsoara was arrested at his residence in Bloemfontein, while Sekeleni was arrested at his home in Port Edward. Lipholo was, however, also arrested in Bloemfontein.

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

On Friday 14 April 2023, 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 the charge sheet of the four others. 

The charred body of an unknown person, who suffered blunt force trauma to the head and was burnt beyond recognition, was found in his cell after being planted there. This was done for Bester to make his well-executed escape from the private prison.

It is alleged the bodies were obtained by Nandipha with the purpose of aiding Bester’s escape from the Mangaung Correctional Centre in Bloemfontein. One of the bodies was found in a river with the mortuary’s identification tag attached. 

Provincial Health spokesperson, Mondli Mvambi, responded and said the department is aware of the allegations. However, as it is the subject of a police investigation, the department cannot comment on the matter.

OFM News