Thabo Bester’s Court Appearance: Lawyers Withdraw as Case is Postponed

The court appearance of Thabo Bester and his co-accused, including his alleged girlfriend Dr Nandipha Magudumana, took place on Tuesday in the Bloemfontein Magistrate’s Court.

The suspects are linked to Bester’s escape from the Mangaung Correctional Centre last year.

Bester, who appeared via video link from Kgosi Mampuru II Correctional Centre in Tshwane, drew attention for his attire—a Louis Vuitton designer sweater.

Meanwhile, his lawyers, Advocate Jeremiah Pela and instructing attorney Tsireledzo Ndou, withdrew from the case.

This decision comes after reports emerged that Ndou is facing charges of attempted rape and assault.

Ndou has been released on bail and is scheduled to appear in court on Wednesday.

In light of the development, a new lawyer, Kabelo Matee, has been appointed to represent Bester in the case.

The co-accused appeared in court in person, facing charges related to assisting Bester in his escape.

Among them are Magudumana’s father, Zolile Cornelius Sekeleni, former G4S employees, and other individuals involved in the incident.

WATCH: Dr Nandipha Magudumana waves and smiles at her father, Zolile Sekeleni, as they both appear in court in connection with the #ThaboBester escape. pic.twitter.com/FOfN7LImrh

— Kaya 959 News (@KayaNews) June 20, 2023

While Sekeleni and one other co-accused were granted bail, the remaining suspects remain in custody.

In a separate development, a ninth suspect named Zanda Moyo, a Zimbabwean national, appeared in court. Moyo was arrested in Johannesburg after an undercover police operation.

He is believed to have been present with Magudumana when they claimed the body of Katlego Bereng from a Free State mortuary. Bereng’s body was allegedly used as a decoy by Bester during his escape.

The case has been postponed to August 8, 2023, to allow for further investigation.

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