G4S Thabo Bester Lamola

Thabo Bester in the Bloemfontein Magistrates’ Court on Friday. Image: Becker Semela/GroundUp.

Bester mulls challenging rearrest procedure, inspired by Magudumana’s moves

Bester’s legal team contemplates challenging the arrest and deportation procedure that led to his return to South Africa.

G4S Thabo Bester Lamola

Thabo Bester in the Bloemfontein Magistrates’ Court on Friday. Image: Becker Semela/GroundUp.

Thabo Bester, the convicted serial rapist and murderer who escaped from prison in 2022 after faking his death, may follow in his lover’s footsteps and challenge the procedure followed during his re-arrest in Arusha, Tanzania, last month.

READ: Dr Nandipha’s ‘get out of jail’ case postponed as Home Affairs Minister joins matter

Bester’s lawyer, Tshireledzo Ndou, told SABC News the legal team are considering following the route chosen by alleged accomplice Dr Nandipha Magudumana.

This week, on Thursday, 1 June, the Bloemfontein High Court is expected to hear an urgent application from Magudumana. She wants the court to declare her arrest and deportation from Tanzania unlawful.

READ: Magudumana accuses SAPS of abduction and illegal arrest in Tanzania – urgent application for release to be heard

“We might be considering going through the same route, but there’s [sic] just a few aspects that we want to canvas with the client before that decision is taken as final,” said Ndou to SABC News.

The lawyer said challenging the arrest and deportation was not off the table and was still being discussed with Bester.

READ: Cut-off low: Heavy rainfall, flooding in Western Cape from Monday to Wednesday

Accomplices to hear bail fate

After faking his death, Bester escaped from the Mangaung Correctional Centre in May 2022. He fled the country earlier this year after it became apparent that the authorities knew he was alive and launched a manhunt.

Five co-accused in the case – former employees who allegedly aided the escape – are expected to hear whether they will be granted bail by the Bloemfontein Magistrate’s Court at noon on Monday, 29 May.

READ: Ramaphosa appoints three-person panel to investigate Lady R controversy

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ARTICLES BY STORM SIMPSON