Katlego Bereng's father Batho Mpholo, who was accompanied by ActionSA's provincial secretary, labelled the actions of suspects “selfish and insensitive”. The accused, including Bester, Nandipha Magudumana, accused 1 Senohe Matsoara and accused 6 Motanyane John Masukela, complained about various issues.

Bester complained about his expensive missing or stolen items and “inhuman” prison treatment among others. Batho called his complaints “a slap in the face” of Bereng’s family. “It streches one's emotions and patience, especially when you see that people are just selfish. 

“You worry about valuables, but if I can pose a question to you: How did those valuables get out of the country without being declared? Rememberer, at that time he did not have a South African ID.” 

Free State ActionSA Provincial Secretary Patrica Kopane.

ActionSA Free State Secretary Patricia Kopane called the behaviour in court “a mockery of the family of Bereng and the justice system”, adding her party believed in the rule of law. “No one is above the law.

‘They don't even care how Katlego was killed’

“I did hear about their complaints, especially (Gudamana’s) complaints about how she was handcuffed to come here. But what is more important for me, (is that) all the accused … are so insensitive; they are so arrogant. We are busy entertaining petty things, they don't even care about how Katlego was killed.”

Soon after the court had adjourned, a group of people could be seen outside swearing and having a heated exchange with some of the accused. 

Thabo Bester and Nandipha Magudumana appeared in court together for the first time on Tuesday. Picture: Lucky Nkuyane

Bester, Magudumana, and ten others appeared in the Bloemfontein Magistrate's Court on Tuesday. This was the first time Magudumana and Bester appeared in court together. The suspects are accused of aiding and abetting Bester to escape from lawful custody in Bloemfontein under the guard of G4S in May last year. 

The case has been postponed till 11 October for further investigation. Three suspects, including Bester, Magudumana, and Zanda Moyo, remain in custody. Magudumana earlier reserved her right to bail, and Moyo abandoned his right to bail. It's understood Moyo is in the country illegally.

‘So far, 12 people have been arrested’

Moyo allegedly helped Magudumana to claim Bereng’s body from the National Hospital before it was used as a decoy for Bester’s esacpe. Bester is said to have lived in luxury in Johannesburg.

So far, 12 people have been arrested in connection with his escape and ten are out on bail of R10 000 each. OFM News has reliably learned a cell phone Bester used to make money transfers was confiscated by police from an inmate at G4S a few weeks ago. It’s since been taken for forensics.

OFM News