The charred body used as a decoy for the Facebook rapist and murderer Thabo Bester to escape on 3 May 2022 was found with blunt force trauma.

This body was brought inside the maximum security prison with a private vehicle. National police spokesperson, Athlenda Mathe, told OFM News that they can confirm the charred body found in cell 35 has been identified following a direct match with the biological mother of the deceased.

She said the family of the deceased has been notified by the investigating officer. Mathe said that no further comment will be provided.

"As difficult as this news is, the SAPS is pleased to bring closure to the family," Mathe added.

The confirmation by Mathe came after a Twitter user by the name of Batho Mpholo wrote “the body that was burnt by Thabo Bester in prison was that of my son.”

“Our own government is failing us. I am broken.”

When questioned how he knows that, Mpholo responded: “DNA test was conducted, do you think I can make up this story? Your question is so mean."

The body that was burnt by Thabo Bester in prison was that of my son. Our own government is failing us. I am broken

— Batho Mpholo (@BathoChief) April 22, 2023

Bester was moved to cell 35, despite not being approved, from where he made his escape. The cell is in a blind spot and is near an emergency exit.

ALSO READ: Bester was moved to cell 35 despite pending approval

On 12 April 2023, G4S appeared before a parliamentary committee of Justice and Correctional Services (JCS) to account for the well-executed Bester escape, which has since caused international interest.

Bester is said to have first applied for a single cell on 15 April 2022, allegedly in fear for his life but withdrew the application two days later. He, however, again applied on 30 April of the same year and was moved to the aforementioned cell whilst his application or papers were pending approval.

ANC Member of Parliament (MP) Anthea Ramolobeng and DA MP Adv. Glynnis Breytenbach grilled officials from G4S who appeared before the committee on Wednesday.

Ramolobeng demanded to know who approved Bester’s move to cell 35 which another inmate already occupied.

“The report indicates that from 19:39 the camera or the CCTV footage system seized to operate and they resumed operating at 04:10. The incident started to happen at 02:30 or 03:00 and it was not captured because the system was not working. Whilst we were there, an official from Integreon, who operates the machines, was able to take us through and show you can temper with the system,” Ramolobeng added.

However, G4S officials who appeared before the committee said that a report they received indicated that the loss of power was due to dysfunctional camera batteries or the CCTV stopped working.

Bester allegedly lived the high life in Johannesburg after his escape, staging his death in a well-calculated fire in his cell where a charred body was found.

Bester and his girlfriend, Dr Nandipha Magudumana, were arrested in Tanzania earlier this month after being on the run from law enforcement in South Africa. They were brought back to South Africa on Thursday 13 April 2023 following their arrest in Tanzania.

ALSO READ – Breaking News: Bester and girlfriend back in South Africa

Bester was then taken to the Kgosi Mampuru maximum prison facility centre on that day whilst his girlfriend appeared in the Bloemfontein Magistrate's Court.

ALSO READ: Thabo Bester's girlfriend expected in court with co-accused – VIDEO

So far these people, including Dr Magudumana's father Zolile Sekeleni; former G4S security guard, Senohe Matsoara, technician; Teboho James Lipholo; and another G4S guard Motanyane John Masukela all appeared in court after being arrested. They were remanded in custody until 3 and 4 May 2023 for a formal bail hearing.

However, Sekeleni is the only suspect out on bail of R10 000.

ALSO READ: Father of Thabo Bester's girlfriend granted bail – VIDEO, PHOTOS

OFM News