Thabo Bester in the Bloemfontein Magistrates’ Court on Friday. Image: Becker Semela/GroundUp.
Police expect more arrests in Thabo Bester escape case, says Masemola
The South African Police Service (SAPS) anticipates additional arrests in the Thabo Bester escape case, as the investigation unfolds.
Thabo Bester in the Bloemfontein Magistrates’ Court on Friday. Image: Becker Semela/GroundUp.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) expects to make more arrests in the Thabo Bester escape case, according to National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola. The Commissioner addressed the media in Klipgat, North West, on Friday, 9 June.
READ: Five things to know about Thabo Bester investigator death
No Further Arrests Made Yet, but Police Express Confidence in Making More Arrests in Thabo Bester Escape Case
Masemola said no further arrests had been made in the Bester case as yet, but he was confident they would follow as the investigation progresses.
Eight suspects have been arrested and charged in connection with the May 2022 escape from the Mangaung Correctional Centre (MCC). They are Bester himself and those accused of aiding him – Dr Nandipha Magudumana, Zolile Cornelius Sekeleni, Senohe Matsoara, Teboho Lipholo, Buti Masemola, Nastassja Jansen and Frans Makhotsa.
READ: If Bester detective was murdered, it should be treated as treason – police union
Sekeleni and Jansen were granted bail. The others remain in custody. Magudumana – who is Bester’s lover – attempted to have her arrest declared unlawful – the Bloemfontein High Court dismissed the urgent application, and she reportedly intends to appeal the decision; she’s yet to apply for bail.
“There are no any other arrests. But we are still investigating the matter and yes we expect there will be further arrests in the matter because there are quite a lot of people that are involved in this investigations. It is quite a wide investigation and we are busy with that,” said Masemola, per SABC News.
READ: Dr Nandipha to appeal Bloemfontein High Court judgement
On Monday, Brigadier Jackson Mkhaulesi, the lead investigator in the escape case, shot himself in Bloemfontein. The incident occurred hours after he attended court for Magudumana’s application.
Masemola confirmed that no foul play was currently suspected in the death. He said the detective had applied for early retirement, and police do not why he “took his own life.”
READ: Investigator in Thabo Bester escape case allegedly dies by suicide
