Motanyane John Masukela (left) in the dock with a Legal Aid representative who will assist in getting him a lawyer from his institution. Image: GroundUp.
A fifth suspect bust for rapist Thabo Bester’s escape from Jail
A fifth new suspect arrested and appears in court on Thursday in connection of Thabo Bester’s escape from jail.
Motanyane John Masukela (left) in the dock with a Legal Aid representative who will assist in getting him a lawyer from his institution. Image: GroundUp.
The G4S security guard, Motenyane Masukela, appeared in the Bloemfontein magistrate’s court on Thursday on single charge of allegedly assisting an inmate to escape prison. He has not been convicted before.
Prosecutor Sello Matlhoko stated that the state would oppose bail. Masukela will appear in court again with his co-accused next month on 3 and 4 May, excluding Bester.
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Bester escaped the maximum-security prison in Freestate province under G4S private security company on 3 May last year, where he was sentenced to life.
He was arrested again in Tanzania last week and brought to South Africa where he the committed crimes, to stand trial, with Magumudana.
Currently, Bester is held at Kgosi Mampuru II prison.
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THE SUSPECTS
National police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe confirmed that the fifth suspect was arrested at the Mangaung Correctional Centre in Bloemfontein in connection of assisting Bester to escape from jail on the 3 May last year.
“He’s been charged with dishonesty of assisting an inmate to run away and defeating the ends of justice,” said Mathe.
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“This arrest brings to total of five suspected people who are charged for assisting the rapist Bester to be at large,” he added.
At the beginning of this week, famous doctor Nandipha Magudumana remained in custody while her father faced the same charges. Her father was given bail of R10 000.00. They were facing charges of aiding and abetting a prison escape.
This is one of two G4S employees who are arrested for Bester’s escape, they will be joining Senohe Matsoara.
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Teboho Lipholo, on that day of escape installed and maintained cameras at the facility.
Masukela will be joining the other four suspects who faces charges linked to the convicted killer and rapist to run away from jail.
