THABO BESTER 'GETUIE' FREED

THABO Bester’s co-accused in his escape case, John Masukela has had the charges against him officially withdrawn.

The former G4S employee was one of the eight accused of konkelling to allow convicted rapist Bester to escape from Mangaung Prison in 2022 prison.

This revelation emerged during a court session where the State Prosecutor announced the decision, stating: "I am going to withdraw the case against one of the accused. I think we can excuse him, and he can go in peace, and that is accused number five, John Masukela."

Bester and his eight co-accused appeared before the Bloemfontein High Court for a pre-trial hearing over charges linked to his 2022 prison escape.

The group is facing charges including fraud, corruption, aiding an escape, violating a corpse, and defeating the ends of justice.

Bester and his partner, Dr Nandipha Magudumana, were arrested in Tanzania following daring breakout, which involved a burned corpse being placed in his cell to make it look as if he had committed suicide by set himself alight. 

Meanwhile, pre-trail hearing was postponed to 21 July after Bester’s lawyer requested more time to prepare and Magudumana’s pa, Zolile Sekeleni, stated that he does not have a legal representative.

Meanwhile, Advocate Lerato Moela, representing Bester, has requested more time to prepare after the judge instructed him to consult his client after he told the court he might not see the trial through due to financial challenges.