Convicted rapist and murderer Thabo Bester is expected to represent himself when he goes on trial in April 2027 over his dramatic 2022 escape from prison.
According to IOL, Bester has fired his legal team ahead of proceedings connected to his escape from Mangaung Correctional Centre in the Free State.
Bester prepares for another court battle
Before the 2027 trial begins, Bester is expected back in court over the conditions of his imprisonment.
According to IOL, he is due to challenge his treatment behind bars in the Free State High Court on October 16.
Bester claims prison restrictions have limited his access to lawyers, communication and legal resources. He has also alleged that he has been kept in prolonged solitary confinement since returning to custody in 2023.
He argues that the conditions violate his rights.
Escape sparked nationwide manhunt
Bester was serving a life sentence for murder and rape at Mangaung Correctional Centre when he escaped in May 2022.
Authorities say he faked his death in a fire inside his prison cell, allegedly with help from his then-girlfriend, Dr Nandipha Magudumana, and several prison officials.
Bester remained on the run for almost a year.
He and Magudumana were arrested in Arusha, Tanzania, in April 2023, confirming that Bester was alive despite the earlier belief that he had died in prison.
Previous court challenges unsuccessful
Since being returned to South Africa, Bester has launched several unsuccessful court applications.
According to IOL, he has maintained that he was lawfully released and has denied escaping from custody.
Bester also previously asked to be transferred from eBongweni Super Maximum Correctional Centre in KwaZulu-Natal to Kgosi Mampuru Correctional Centre.
His lawyers argued that his detention in KwaZulu-Natal made it harder for them to consult with him before trial.
The court dismissed the request, pointing to virtual consultation options. The judge also cited Bester’s history of escaping custody when considering the need for stricter security.
The Department of Correctional Services transferred Bester to eBongweni in January, citing security concerns.