Correctional Services deny Thabo Bester’s claims of mistreatment
Bester’s claims of ill-treatment in prison have been denied by Correctional Services, who insist he receives the same privileges as others.
In a recent court appearance, Thabo Bester, a convicted rapist and murderer, claimed he was being mistreated in prison. However, the Department of Correctional Services has vehemently denied these allegations.
Speaking to eNCA senior reporter Silindelo Masikana, the Correctional Services spokesperson Singabakho Nxumalo refuted Bester’s accusations, insisting that he enjoys the same privileges as other inmates.
COURTROOM BESTER OUTBURST OVER DRESS CODE
On 5 June, Bester appeared in the Free State High Court without legal representation and chose to address the court himself. During his statement, he complained about the prison’s dress code, expressing his frustration at not being allowed to wear his preferred designer clothes.
“I was told that I can’t wear clothes that are Louis Vuitton because it gives the wrong impression,” Bester lamented.
Responding to these claims, Correctional Services spokesperson Nxumalo stated, “When people start abusing that privilege of being neat and presentable, if they want to be fashionistas [sic] or whatever, they can do it somewhere else, not under our care.”
Nxumalo emphasised that all inmates, including Bester, are treated equally and that their treatment is based on the risk they pose.
DENIAL OF FAIR TREATMENT
Bester has also requested that the public be allowed to petition for his death sentence, claiming that his co-accused had no involvement in his escape from Mangaung Correctional Centre in May 2022.
He stated, “This is not the way that I want to proceed, if it means that this court will accept the petition and the public can sign it so that I can be put to rest.”
During his court appearance, Bester cited sections of the Constitution and the Bill of Rights, arguing that the correctional services system and media have worked against him.
JUDGE’S RESPONSE AND CASE UPDATE
According to GroundUp, Judge Joseph Mahlambi responded to Bester’s assertions by recommending that he obtain legal representation and submit formal applications to support his claims.
Bester, along with his co-accused Nandipha Magudumana, Zolile Sekeleni, Xando Moyo, Teboho Lipholo, Buti Masukela, Teiho Makhotsa, Senohe Matsoara, and James Lipholo, appeared for a pre-trial hearing. While Bester, Magudumana, and Moyo remain in custody, the others have been released on bail.
The case will return to the Free State High Court on 24 July.