Bail applications for individuals linked to Bester escape continue

The bail application of five suspects accused of helping convicted serial rapist and murderer, Thabo Bester, escape prison continues in the Bloemfontein Magistrate’s Court on Friday, 12 May.

Live-streaming of Hearings Restricted During Proceedings

On the first day of bail applications, Acting Magistrate, Lindiwe Mbasa, ordered that on days of the formal hearings, live-streaming of proceedings will not be allowed. Every court appearance thus far has been beamed to screens across South Africa due to the interest in the case.

The court order appears to be in order to protect the identity of witnesses. Voice recordings of proceedings can be played later as long as the identity of witnesses is protected.

READ: Dr Nandipha Magudumana opts not to apply for bail after crucial evidence emerges

Magudumana Opts Out of Bail Application as Other Accused Proceed

On Thursday, the alleged mastermind behind the escape, Bester’s lover Dr Nandipha Magudumana, opted not to apply for bail yet. She was remanded in custody until 16 May, when the recaptured escapee Bester returns to court.

The other five accused went ahead with their applications. According to SABC News, a State witness said Senohe Matsoara, 39, the former G4S guard who is alleged to have been the leading participant at the prison, travelled to Lesotho eight times between October and November 2022.

READ: Bester’s escape: A look at the charges against the eight suspects

Bester, who was serving a life sentence plus 75 years, escaped from the G4S-managed Mangaung Correctional Centre in May 2022 after faking his death and using the body of Katlego Bereng as a decoy.

According to TimesLive, the man who allegedly turned off the CCTV cameras during the escape, Teboho Lipholo, was promised R2.5 million to help with the escape but only received R40 000.

READ: Retired judge to lead inquiry into whether SA supplied Russia with arms

A State witness said Lipholo turned himself over to the police because he feared for his life. Lipholo also has a prior conviction for stock theft dating back to 2007.

TimesLive reported that Lipholo said conditions in prison were unbearable – this was one of the reasons why he requested bail. The accused reportedly said it was too cold for him, and they were not given enough blankets.

READ: Did South Africa provide Russia with weapons? The US thinks so

Motanyane Masukela, Tieho Frans Makhotsa, and Natassja Jansen are the other accused up for bail. They worked at the prison during the escape.

The bail applications continue on Friday.

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