Cape Town – The Department of Correctional Services on Saturday denied reports that convicted murderer and rapist Thabo Bester has been returned to the Mangaung Correctional Centre where he faked his own death and escaped in May 2022.
Bester, who broke out of the Mangaung prison and left a burnt corpse in his cell, appeared before the Bloemfontein magistrate’s court on Friday, a day after being flown back from Tanzania.
The 37-year-old was heavily guarded at the Bloemfontein magistrate’s court, surrounded by a hefty police presence.
The case was adjourned to May 16.
Correctional Services said Bester was transported back to Kgosi Mampuru Correctional Centre after his appearance.
“The Department of Correctional Services has noted false information circulating in various platforms that offender Thabo Bester has been returned to Mangaung Correctional Centre.
Thabo Bester Remains At Kgosi Mampuru pic.twitter.com/SrfXQU70TC
— Ministry of Justice and Correctional Services ?? (@Min_JCS) April 15, 2023
“We can state that was transported to Kgosi Mampuru II Correctional facility,” the department said
The department also confirmed that no complaints had been filed about threats to Bester’s life, adding that Bester was taking his meals.
Bester’s lawyer had, on Friday said that his client had not eaten in more than 24 hours and would only accept food provided by his legal team, citing fears and safety concerns.
He requested to have him back in court as soon as possible, but lost the bid as the state said it needed a month to investigate and ensure safety protocols were in place for Bester’s next court appearance.
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Picture: Twitter/@AdvoBarryRoux
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
