Thabo Bester case: Ninth suspect’s identity to be revealed in court

The ninth suspect nabbed in the Thabo Bester case is expected to appear before the Bloemfontein Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, 13 June. He was arrested over the weekend for his alleged role in the convicted rapist’s escape from the Mangaung Correctional Centre (MCC).

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Ninth alleged Thabo Bester accomplice nabbed in Johannesburg

The 31-year-old Zimbabwean man was arrested in Johannesburg on Sunday, 11 June. National police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said he faces a charge of helping an inmate escape from lawful custody at this stage.

“The suspect is likely to face more charges. Nine people have so far been arrested in this case,” said Mathe.

READ: Thabo Bester escape: Police arrest Zimbabwean man in Joburg

‘More arrests cannot be ruled out’

The police have repeatedly said the possibility of more arrests in the Thabo Bester escape case cannot be ruled out.

The eight suspects charged in connection with the escape before the latest arrest are Thabo Bester, Nandipha Magudumana, Senohe Matsoara, Zolile Cornelius Sekeleni, Teboho Lipholo, Motanyane Masukela, Tieho Frans Makhotsa and Nastassja Jansen.

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Bester and Magudumana are in a relationship. Sekeleni is Magudumana’s father, while the other suspects are linked to the then-G4S-managed prison the rapist escaped from.

Sekeleni and Jansen are out on bail. The others remain in custody. All accused are due back in court on 20 June. The case was postponed for further investigation.

READ: Bester: Four out of five bail applicants to remain in prison

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