Thabo Bester back at Kgosi Mampuru prison and eating, says Department

Bester, who escaped from lawful custody at the privately-run Mangaung Correctional Facility in the Free State in May last year, appeared briefly in the Bloemfontein Magistrates’ Court on Friday.  

Spokesperson for the Department of Correctional Services (DCS), Singabakho Nxumalo, has rubbished claims that the 36-year-old convict and escapee is being kept at the same prison where he allegedly faked his own death in the execution of his elaborate prison break.   

“The department has noted false information in various platforms that offender Thabo Bester has been returned to Mangaung Correctional Dentre. We can state that Bester was transported to Kgosi Mampuru II Correctional facility,” he says.  

 During his court appearance, Betser told the court that he has concerns about his safety and added he had not eaten since his return to South Africa from Tanzania.

That was where he and alleged accomplice and lover Dr Nandipha Magudumana, as well as a Mozambican national, were traced and arrested on 7 April.  

It’s being reported the convicted killer fears he may be poisoned.  

WATCH: Thabo Bester 'fears for his life' in prison

Nxumalo says the department has not received a formal complaint about threats to Bester’s life.  

“DCS can confirm that there is no complaint filed about a threat to his life, and that offender Bester is taking meals.” 

Bester’s partner, Magudumana, was in the same court earlier in the week alongside IT technician, Teboho Lipholo, who has been linked to the tampering with CCTV on the night the Bester escaped. 

They face a charge of aiding and abetting a prisoner, among others.

They are expected back in court on Monday, where they will join Magudumana’s father Cornelius Sekeleni, and former G4S employee Senohe Motsoare in the dock after the matter was postponed for bail information and possible bail application.  

Bester’s case was postponed to 16 May 2023.  

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