Thabo Bester will be representing himself in April 2027. Image: Oupa Mokoena / Independent Newspapers Convicted rapist and murderer Thabo Bester is expected to represent himself during his trial in April 2027 in connection his escape from Mangaung Correctional Centre in 2022. This comes after he fired his legal team, eNCA reported. Bester is also expected to challenge his treatment behind bars at the Free State High Court on October 16. According to Bester, prison restrictions have limited his a
10/06/26 • 13 Görünümler
Thabo Bester will be representing himself in April 2027.
Image: Oupa Mokoena / Independent Newspapers
Convicted rapist and murderer Thabo Bester is expected to represent himself during his trial in April 2027 in connection his escape from Mangaung Correctional Centre in 2022.
This comes after he fired his legal team, eNCA reported.
Bester is also expected to challenge his treatment behind bars at the Free State High Court on October 16.
According to Bester, prison restrictions have limited his access to communications, legal resources, and lawyers.
Bester had been serving a life sentence for murder and rape at Mangaung Correctional Centre since 2012 before his escape in May 2022. Authorities say he faked his death in a prison cell fire, allegedly with the assistance of his then girlfriend Nandipha Magudumana and several prison officials.
After nearly a year on the run, Bester was re-arrested in April 2023 in Arusha, Tanzania, alongside Magudumana, with authorities confirming he was alive despite the earlier claims surrounding his supposed death.
Since his return to custody, Bester has filed multiple unsuccessful court applications, asserting that he was lawfully released and denying that he escaped. He has also claimed that he has been held in prolonged solitary confinement since his re-incarceration in 2023, arguing that this constitutes a violation of his rights.
Bester further sought a transfer from eBongweni Super Maximum Correctional Centre to Kgosi Mampuru Correctional Centre. At the time, his legal team argued that his placement in KwaZulu-Natal hindered their ability to consult with him ahead of trial.
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