By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
SA Police Service (SAPS) have arrested another three G4S employees for helping convicted rapist and murderer Thabo Bester escape from custody.
The three men, aged between 37 and 47, were arrested on Monday night at their homes in Botshabelo and Bloemfontein, said police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe.
This brings the total number of suspects apprehended to 12, although the possibility of more arrests has not been ruled out, Mathe added.
The three are expected in the Bloemfontein Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday on charges of assisting an inmate to escape from lawful custody, violation of a corpse and corruption.
Bester faked his death and escaped from the Mangaung Correctional Centre in Bloemfontein in May 2022 with the help of G4S and Integriton employees.
His accomplice, Dr Nandipha Magudumana, was also arrested when police tracked the couple down in Tanzania in April.
To date, police have arrested former G4S prison warder Senohe Matsoara, Zanda Moyo,Zolile Cornelius Sekeleni, former Integritron Integrated Solutions camera technician Teboho Lipholo, suspended G4S employee Tieho Frans Makhotsa, former G4S guard Buti Masukela, suspended G4S employee Natassja Jansen and Magudumana.
Their matter has been postponed until August 8, for further investigation.