The parents of Katlego Bereng (32), whose body was used as a decoy in Thabo Bester's escape from G4S prison facilities in Mangaung, expressed shock over charges withdrawn against three of the accused.

The state dropped charges against accused 7 Nastassja Jansen, accused 10 Thabang Mier, and accused 12 Moeketsi Ramolula. This after Bester and his co-accused appeared in the Bloemfontein Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday (11/10). Missing in court today was Bester's girlfriend and alleged mastermind behind his prison escape, Nandipha Magudumana.

Bereng's father, Batho Mpholo, expressed his disappointment after the release of three suspects. He said he did not expect the release of three suspects.

"One did not expect the release of three (suspects), maybe one. But we believe the state did their job, the investigating officers did their job to a point that they saw the other three accused were not actively involved. We accept the decision, there is nothing we can do," he said.

Mpholo further slammed Magudumana and said she was undermining the law. He further demanded answers on the murder of his son.

"Now the date is to be set for trial but the remaining question with the family is the murder charges of our son. We want to know who killed our son. That's the only thing that will bring closure to us. I'm appealing to the NPA not to undermine our feelings because our son was killed and we want to know how."

Katlego went missing in March last year. In April this year, the father of the deceased, revealed on Twitter that the body which was found burnt beyond recognition inside cell 35 in the Mangaung Correctional Centre, managed by the British company G4S, was that of his son. He then opened cases against the Department of Health, Correctional Services, and G4S.

OFM News