Bester escaped from the Mangaung Prison in Bloemfontein on 3 May 2022 and allegedly lived a high life in Johannesburg following his escape.

The security officer who was arrested on Tuesday 18 April 2023, Motanyana John Masukela (51), was charged with aiding and abetting, and defeating the ends of justice.

He has now formally been included on the charge sheet of Bester's girlfriend, Dr Nandipha Magudumana, her father Zolile Sekeleni, former G4S security guard Senohe Matsoara, and technician Teboho James Lipholo. These four have all been charged for their alleged involvement in Bester's escape.

He will now appear with the rest of the accused on 3 and 4 May for their bail hearing. The state prosecutor already made the state's intention known that it will be opposing the bail application. 

Masukela has since given the instruction to Legal Aid South South Africa to represent him. He is the second G4S employee to request legal representation or legal aid.

State prosecutor Matlhoko announced that he faces a schedule 1 count and he has since been remanded in custody until 3 and 4 May 2023.

This is the date when all suspects will be appearing for a bail hearing.

Magistrate Mohlolo Khabisi has since postponed the matter to that day for the bail hearing.

In this matter, only Sekeleni has been released on R10 000 bail after the state withdrew a charge of murder against him on his last court appearance on 17 April 2023. Police spokesperson, Athlenda Mathe, says the suspect was arrested on Tuesday 18 April 2023 at the Mangaung Correctional Centre in Bloemfontein.

ALSO READ: Thabo Bester’s escape: Another G4S guard arrested

The Tanzanian police arrested Magudumana and Bester after being on the run from the South African Police Services after this information.

OFM News