Thabo Bester challenges his return to SA as court sets new date for pre-trial hearing
Thabo Bester is embroiled in a legal battle over the circumstances of his return to South Africa, as the Bloemfontein High Court sets a new date for their pre-trial hearing
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While the Bloemfontein High Court has set a new date for Thabo Bester and his co-accused's pre-trial hearing, it appears Bester is joining Dr Nandipha Magudumana in fighting the circumstances around his return to South Africa.
Bester, allegedly assisted by Magudumana escaped from the Mangaung Correctional facility in May 2022.
The pair's escape was stopped in April 2023, and they were brought back to South Africa to face charges.
Since then, Magudumana has been locked in a legal battle, fighting her arrival back to South Africa.
During his court appearance on Friday, Bester informed the court that he wanted to access certain documents from the Presidency and Crime Intelligence as well as the cellphone records of International Relations Minister Ronald Lamola, to prepare for his trial. For this, he has since applied to the Pretoria High Court.
Bester also wants to apply for funding to finance his legal representation.
Bester, Magudumana, Senohe Matsoara, Zolile Sekeleni, Teboho Liphoko, Buti Masukela, Tieho Makhotsa, Zanda Moyo, and Joel Makhetha face charges of fraud, corruption, assisting an inmate to escape, violation of a body, arson, and defeating the ends of justice.
The matter will appear before the court in March next year.
seanne.rall@iol.co.za
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