Thabo Bester escape trial set to start in February
The case against convicted killer and rapist Thabo Bester and his co-accused has been postponed to 10 February 2025.
Bester and his co-accused appeared briefly before the Free State High Court in Bloemfontein on Wednesday morning.
They are on trial for escaping from the Mangaung Correctional Centre in May 2022.
State Prosecutor Amanda Bester told the court that the trial will begin in February.
Free State High Court Deputy Judge President Cagney Musi said, "The matter is now postponed until the 10th of February 2025. Accused number 1,7,8, you are in custody, the rest of your bail extended and you are warned to appear again in this court at 09h00 in the morning.”
Bester’s court appearance came a day after he filed a legal challenge against what he claims are inhumane detention conditions at Kgosi Mampuru Correctional Centre in Tshwane.
READ: Bester, Magudumana and co-accused due back in court
In a statement, Bester said he had been subjected to severe violations of his constitutional rights, particularly Section 35 of the Constitution, which talks about the right to a fair trial.
According to his lawyers, Bester is placed in solitary confinement for 23 hours per day in a room with a small window.
“Saying the isolation may have a detrimental impact on his mental health and well-being, which can lead to severe psychological effects, including anxiety, depression, hallucinations, and suicidal thoughts,” they said in the statement.
Bester’s lawyers also claim their client is unable to prepare a defence due to the restrictions on legal consultation and lack of privacy at the C-Max prison.
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