Police rope in organised crime unit in search for Thabo Bester

This after the Department of Correctional Services confirmed that the man dubbed the Facebook rapist escaped from prison in May 2022.

The department originally stated that Bester died in a fire in his cell at the Mangaung Correctional Centre.

Following an autopsy report, it was revealed that the DNA analysis that confirmed that the body of the deceased which was found was not of Bester.

The report further revealed that the deceased had died as a result of blunt force trauma to the head, and was already dead, prior to the arson incident.

National police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe said National Commissioner Fannie Masemola has ordered the prioritisation of investigations into the Mangaung prison escape case, and this is done in the best interest of justice for the victims, survivors, and the affected families.

“Detectives from the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences and the Organised Crime Investigations units in the Free State and Gauteng provinces have been working together around the clock on this investigation.

“The likelihood of more charges being added cannot be ruled out as the investigation unfolds.”

Masemola has appealed to the public for patience and space during the time of investigations.

“Placing undue pressure on the investigators and demanding blow-by-blow updates at this stage, has the potential to jeopardise the investigation," said Masemola.

Mathe added that a manhunt had been launched for all those implicated in the case.

“It should also be noted that the leaking of sensitive and confidential information to media houses is being looked into by authorities.To this end, a manhunt has been launched for all persons of interest in this particular case.

“No further information will be provided at this stage. The SAPS will give updates when circumstances permit.”

ALSO READ