Thabo Bester

From left: Senohe Matsoara, Teboho Lipholo, Motenyani Masukela, Tieho Makhotsa and Nastassja Jansen in the dock at the Bloemfontein Magistrate Court on Tuesday, 23 May. Image: Becker Semela/GroundUp.

Thabo Bester case: Bail judgement for co-accused expected on Monday

On Monday, the Bloemfontein Magistrate’s Court will deliver judgement in the bail applications of Thabo Bester’s co-accused.

Thabo Bester

From left: Senohe Matsoara, Teboho Lipholo, Motenyani Masukela, Tieho Makhotsa and Nastassja Jansen in the dock at the Bloemfontein Magistrate Court on Tuesday, 23 May. Image: Becker Semela/GroundUp.

Judgement in the bail applications of five individuals accused of helping serial rapist Thabo Bester escape prison will be delivered in the Bloemfontein Magistrate’s Court on Monday afternoon, 29 May.

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Defence argues for bail, citing non-interference and family responsibilities

The lawyers for the accused – Senohe Matsoara, Teboho Lipholo, Motenyani Masukela, Tieho Makhotsa and Nastassja Jansen – argued for their release on bail.

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

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State argues releasing Bester co-accused on bail would undermine public confidence

State Prosecutor Sello Matlhoko, however, 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.

According to GroundUp, during closing arguments, Matlhoko said releasing the accused on bail would undermine trust in the police and the justice system.

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The court’s bail decision is expected to be heard at midday on Monday.

All eight accused in the matter, including the five bail applicants, Thabo Bester, Dr Nandipha Magudumana and Zolile Cornelius Sekeleni, are due back in the same court on 20 June for the continuation of the main criminal matter.

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Sekeleni was granted R10 000 bail weeks ago. Magudumana opted not to apply for bail and is seeking to challenge the legality of her arrest and detention, while convicted rapist and murderer, Bester, is imprisoned at Kgosi Mampuru II in Pretoria.

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