Thabo Bester prison escape

Here are our articles on the notorious prison escape on 3 May by convicted murderer and rapist Thabo Bester.

See also this timeline published on 3 April.

Nandipha Magudumana’s kidnapping claim questioned by state

Magudumana has “a right to liberty” until convicted, court told

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Brief | 4 September 2023

“No one was looking for her”: Magudumana’s lawyer hits back at state

Fraud cases against Magudumana not relevant to bail application, says lawyer

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News | 30 August 2023

Analysis: The troubled history of Mangaung prison

The high-security prison is in the spotlight again after the suicide of an inmate this week

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Analysis | 24 August 2023

Mystery surrounds black empowerment gains from G4S prison contract

Dividends were supposed to address needs of local community

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News | 23 August 2023

Thabo Bester and Nandipha Magudumana allege inhumane treatment while in custody

Bester says possessions, which he claims are worth R40-million, were confiscated during his arrest

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Brief | 8 August 2023

G4S in last-ditch bid to keep Mangaung Prison contract

Employees uncertain if they will still have jobs at the prison where Thabo Bester escaped

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News | 27 July 2023

Court dismisses Dr Nandipha’s application for leave to appeal

Judge finds Nandipha’s appeal has no reasonable prospect for success

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Brief | 18 July 2023

Thabo Bester escape: Dr Nandipha says she did not consent to her extradition

“She wanted to come home, she came home,” argues police advocate

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News | 14 July 2023

Thabo Bester escape: state expects to call about 18 witnesses

Another accused is granted bail of R10,000

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News | 11 July 2023

Thabo Bester saga: Bail granted to three more accused

Judge rules they are not a flight risk and unlikely to interfere with witnesses

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News | 6 July 2023

Thabo Bester escape: Court grants R10,000 bail to one of three suspended prison officers

Two other accused will return to court on 11 July for formal bail applications

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News | 3 July 2023

Three more G4S prison officials in court for aiding Thabo Bester’s escape

All 12 suspects are expected back in court in August for start of the main criminal trial

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Brief | 28 June 2023

Thabo Bester saga: State expects three more people to be arrested

Case postponed again for further investigation

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Brief | 20 June 2023

Ninth suspect in Thabo Bester escape appears in court

Zanda Moyo will join eight others in the criminal trial on 20 June

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Brief | 13 June 2023

Judge rejects Dr Nandipha’s urgent bid for freedom

But the state made mistakes and almost lost the case

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Law | 5 June 2023