Accused in Thabo Bester prison escape case seek bail while Bester’s girlfriend challenges her arrest. Image: Becker Semala/GroundUp.
WATCH LIVE: Bail judgement for Thabo Bester co-accused
Follow the live proceedings as the Bloemfontein Magistrate’s Court decides the bail fate of Thabo Bester’s five co-accused on Monday.
Accused in Thabo Bester prison escape case seek bail while Bester’s girlfriend challenges her arrest. Image: Becker Semala/GroundUp.
The Bloemfontein Magistrate’s Court will deliver the verdict on the bail applications of five individuals accused of helping convicted serial rapist Thabo Bester escape from prison on Monday.
WATCH LIVE
JUDGEMENT 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 judgement is expected to be delivered at 12:00 on Monday.
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.
READ: Bester mulls challenging rearrest procedure, inspired by Magudumana’s moves
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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