The case against the infamous Facebook rapist and murderer Thabo Bester, along with his co-accused, has been postponed to Wednesday (31/7).

The postponement followed the recusal of the defence lawyer for accused 3 and 6, Senohe Motshara and Tieho France Makhotsa, due to unpaid legal fees. They both informed Judge President Cagney Musi at the Bloemfontein High Court they would seek representation from Legal Aid going forward.

Bloemfontein High Court Judge President, Cagney Musi ,during Thabo Bester's pre-trial. Photo: Kekeletso Mosebetsi

During the court proceedings, Bester’s new legal representative, Adv. Lerato Moela, highlighted his client’s previous complaints about his treatment in prison and the lack of opportunity to consult freely with his legal team. Moela emphasised the importance of protecting Bester’s right to legal representation and expressed concerns about Bester’s mental and physical well-being due to his current conditions in custody.

“The application that we are going to lodge, my lord, is literally to safeguard the interest of accused number 7, which is primarily the right to have legal representation.

“We don’t owe him only the responsibility to protect his interest, but we also owe a responsibility to this court for the administration of justice. That’s why that aspect should be moved first in the interest of everything else,” said Moela.

He argued the conditions under which he was consulting with his client were not conducive and that Bester was being treated differently during court appearances. Moela stressed the potential impact of this treatment on Bester’s mental health, indicating that without proper conditions, Bester might not remain mentally or physically intact for future court proceedings.

Prosecutor Adv. Amanda Bester noted tthe documentation sent to her the previous day was unsigned and included other parties in the application. Musi advised both advocates to meet with him after the case to find common ground and ensure the smooth progression of the trial.

State Prosecutor, Amanda Bester,during Thabo Bester and co-accused court case. Photo: Screenshot

Other accused in the case include Thabo Bester’s girlfriend Accused 1: Nandipha Maguduman, Accused 2: Teboho Lipholo, Accused 4: Zolile Cornelius Sekeleni, Accused 5: Motenyane John Masukela, Accused 6: Tieho France Makhotsa and Accused 8: Zanda Boniface Moyo.

They are charged with aiding and abetting Bester’s escape from the Mangaung G4S Correctional Centre.

Nandipha Magudumana greets her co-accused father, Zolile Sekeleni, in court. Photo: Kekeletso Mosebetsi 

 OFM News/ Kekeletso Mosebetsi/ Heidrè Malgas dg