Thabo Bester co-accused: Bail judgment day in Bloemfontein court

On Monday, 29 May, the Bloemfontein Magistrate’s Court is expected to deliver judgment on the bail applications of five suspects accused of helping serial rapist and murderer Thabo Bester escape from prison.

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BAIL VERDICT EXPECTED FOR BESTER CO-ACCUSED

Former G4S employees, Senohe Matsoara, Motenyani Masukela, Tieho Makhotsa and Nastassja Jansen, and Integritron contractor Teboho Lipholo, are applying for bail.

The State is opposed to all bail applications. Prosecutor Sello Matlhoko argued that none of the accused – except Jansen, who faces lesser charges – submitted evidence to the court that showed it was in the interest of justice for them to be released on bail.

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Among the reasons offered by the lawyers of the accused were that they would not interfere with witnesses and attempt to evade trial. Some of the accused are also the main breadwinners for their families.

The bail judgment is expected to be delivered at 12:00 on Monday.

ALL EIGHT ACCUSED IN MATTER DUE IN COURT NEXT MONTH

Three more people are accused in the case. Thabo Bester’s lover Dr Nandipha opted not to apply for bail but is attempting to get out of prison by challenging the legality of her arrest and deportation.

Magudumana’s father, Zolile Cornelius Sekeleni, was granted bail weeks ago. All eight accused are due back in court on 20 June.

Magudumana’s urgent application to overturn her arrest will be heard in the Bloemfontein Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, 1 June.

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This article was originally published by Storm Simpson.