Thabo Bester saga: Update on the last few court appearances

Dr Nandipha Magudumana and Thabo Bester. Images via Twitter: @sli_masikane/ @chriseldalewis

As police continue conducting their investigation and more suspects are added to the Thabo Bester prison escape case. The latest two suspects made their appearances this week before the Bloemfontein Magistrate’s Court.

Here is a summary of the latest happening the case.

ACCUSED NUMBER 10,11 AND 12.

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Suspended G4S officials Moeketsi Ramolula and Joel Makhetha were arrested in Bloemfontein in June and face charges of violating a corpse and corruption. The State opposed bail for the duo. However Makhetha was granted R10 000 bail while Ramolula abandoned his application.

attending court cases, not communicating, threatening or intimidating any of the state witnesses, he may not leave the Mangaung District without the permission of the investigating officer and has to report weekly to his local police station between 8am and 4pm.

ACCUSED NUMBER 10 THABANG MIER

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Mier had made a first court appearance alongside his colleagues Makhetha and Ramolula but was awarded bail in an appearance on the 3rd July.

The condition of his bail as well as Makhetha includes:

Attending all court appearances
Not communicating or threatening any of the 18 state witnesses
Not leave the Mangaung district without the permission of the investigating officer
Report weekly to his local police station between 8am and 4pm

BESTER’S LAWYERS RECUSE THEMSELVES

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Thabo Bester lawyers — Advocate Jeremiah Pela and Tsireledzo Ndou who represented Thabo Bester. Image: Twitter/@chriseldalewis.

In late June, Bester’s lawyers Advocate Jeremiah Pela and instructing attorney Tsireledzo Ndou recused themselves. Both lawyers are currently facing criminal charges.

Ndou is facing charges of attempted rape and assault. While Pela is facing corruption charges involving bribery of a security tender at Motheo TVET College in Bloemfontein.

MAGUDUMANA APPEALS TANZANIA ARREST

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Bester’s girlfriend Dr Nandipha Magudumana will return to court on Friday 14 July, to have her application for leave to appeal the courts dismissal. Magudumana wants the court to declare her arrest and extradition, unlawful.

Magudumana is facing numerous charges including fraud, defeating the ends of justice, violating a body, aiding and abetting an inmate to escape from lawful custody, corruption and arson.