On Saturday 22 April 2023, the police confirmed that the charred body found in the Facebook rapist and murderer's prison cell was Katlego Bereng's. He went missing in March 2022.

Katlego Junior Mpholo Bereng and the mother of his two little children, Thandiwe Boleme.

ActionSA's Free State Chairperson, Patricia Kopane, is set to visit the family of the deceased in Ipopeng in Bloemfontein to offer the party's support.

Bereng's father, who is an ActionSA member, yesterday announced the DNA test which was conducted, revealed that the body burnt in cell 35 was that of his son. 

“What is clear, is that Mpholo's family deserves to know the truth. The Free State Department of Health should account for how his body ended up at G4S, and G4S should also account for how Katlego’s body ended up in their possession. Bester used Mpholo's body as a decoy to escape from cell 35 after staging a fire. His body was smuggled into the premises of the controversial [correctional centre of the] British company G4S, for Bester to make his escape on 3 May 2022.

“There are more questions than answers, this matter needs intense investigation as it exposes crime and corruption in state entities. ActionSA is relieved that the body burnt in cell 35 by Thabo Bester has been positively identified as that of Katlego Junior Mpholo from Ipopeng in Bloemfontein. ActionSA extends its condolences to Mpholo's family. This is the most difficult time for them. They did not just lose a son, they lost someone meant to preserve lineage," Kopane added.

National police spokesperson, Athlenda Mathe, told OFM News that they can confirm that the charred body found in cell 35 at the Mangaung Correctional Centre has been identified following a direct match with the biological mother of the deceased.

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

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

It is alleged the bodies were obtained 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 to news that three bodies were obtained from state mortuaries 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