The so-called Facebook rapist and convicted murderer Thabo Bester said he’s struggling to keep his legal representatives due to a breach of confidentiality by the Correctional Services.

On Wednesday (5/6), Bester appeared in the Bloemfontein High Court for a pre-trial hearing alongside his girlfriend, Nandipha Magudumana, Zanda Moyo, and seven other co-accused.

The hearing took a dramatic turn when Bester’s legal representative, Adv. Mohammed Seedat, announced his withdrawal from the case, citing financial constraints and the impracticality of traveling between Bloemfontein and Pretoria for consultations since the travelling can become costly.

Seedat’s withdrawal compounded Bester’s ongoing grievances about the difficulties he faces in consulting with his legal team. Bester claimed his ability to communicate confidentially with his attorneys had been severely compromised.

“I feel that my confidentiality and consultation is being compromised because I cannot divulge certain information regarding the alleged escape,” Bester said. He expressed concerns that the restrictions imposed by the national commissioner have created an environment where he cannot consult freely, fearing that his conversations are being monitored and recorded.

Bester voiced these concerns to Judge President Cagney Musi, explaining his consultations have been limited to telephonic communication, which he believes is being used to extract information from him.

“The system that has been set out for me specifically is as if I have my own separate rules, consecutive from other inmates,” Bester remarked, highlighting the unique and stringent conditions he faces.

‘The case was postponed to 24 July’

In response, Musi advised Bester to secure new legal representation and instructed him to have his new attorney file a formal application to ensure attorney-client privilege is upheld and his consultations are not compromised.

The case was postponed to 24 July to allow Bester time to arrange for new legal counsel and for another defense, Adv. Kagiso Mururi, to resolve payment issues with his client.

Judge President Cagney Musi during Thabo Bester and co-accused pre-trial in Bloemfontein High Court> Photo: Kekeletso Mosebetsi

Bester, Magudumana, and Moyo remain in custody, while other co-accused, including Magudumana's father Zolile Sekeleni, Teboho James Lipholo, Motanyane John Masukela, Teiho Frans Makhotsa, and Thabang Joel Makhetha, are out on bail.

The suspects face serious charges, including aiding and abetting the escape of a prisoner, obstruction of justice, arson, and desecration of a corpse.

Thabo Bester and co-accused during pre-trial at Bloemfontein High Court, photo: Heidre Malgas

The charges stem from an elaborate plot to assist Bester in escaping from the Broadway block cells at the Mangaung Correctional Centre, operated by G4S. Free State and Northern Cape NPA spokesperson Mojalefa Senokoatsane said the state is ready for trial despite postponements.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi and Heidrè Malgas dg