By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Photo Credit: Valdrin Xhemaj/Reuters.
Department of Correctional Services (DCS) confirmed that convicted rapist and murderer Thabo Bester has been transferred to eBongweni Super Maximum Correctional Centre in Kokstad, Kwazulu-Natal.
Bester was being held at the Kgosi Mampuru C Max facility.
This is after his brazen escape from the Mangaung private security prison in 2023, where he was serving a life sentence.
DCS spokesperson Singabakho Nxumalo on Friday said: “The Department of Correctional Services (DCS) confirms the transfer of offender Thabo Bester to eBongweni Super Maximum Correctional Facility.”
Nxumalo said offender transfers are routine and guided by established security risk assessments to ensure the safety, security, and stability of correctional facilities and the broader criminal justice system.
“The offender will continue to receive appropriate care in line with applicable legislative and policy prescripts and will retain full access to legal representation, family communication, and court processes,” he said.
He added that all necessary logistical arrangements remain in place to ensure court appearances and legal proceedings proceed without disruption.”
Bester infamously escaped from the Mangaung Correctional Facility and was re-arrested in Tanzania along with co-accused Nandipha Magudumana.
Bester and Magudumana, Senohe Matsoara, Zolile Sekeleni, Teboho Liphoko, Buti Masukela, Tieho Makhotsa, Zanda Moyo, and Joel Makhetha, face charges of fraud, corruption, assisting an inmate to escape, violation of a body, arson, and defeating the ends of justice.
The accused will return to court on 18 March for a case management hearing ahead of the trial. Bester, Magudumana and Moyo, remain in custody. The other five accused are out on bail.