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The decision to drop charges against three people accused of helping Thabo Bester escape was part of the strategy. The trio, currently on bail, were allowed to leave immediately; Relief was evident on their faces.
This comes as the case was adjourned until next year in preparation for a pre-trial conference next February.
“The State has withdrawn charges against Nastassja Jansen, Thabang Mier and Moeketsi Ramolula as part of its strategic approach to the entire case, which aims to ensure that those suspected of committing crimes related to This serious matter will be held accountable for their actions,” the National Prosecuting Authority Spokesperson explained. Phaladi Shuping.
Shuping said the defendants still facing charges are Senohe Matsoara, Zolile Sekeleni, Teboho Liholo, Nandipha Magudumana, Thabo Bester, Buti Masukela, Tieho Makhotsa, Zanda Moyo and Joel Makhetha. Magudumana, Bester and Moyo remain in custody and the other defendants were released on bail of R10,000 each.
Bester was detained at the G4S-run Mangaung Correctional Center after being convicted of the murder of Nomfundo Tiyhulu in the Western Cape High Court.
He was discovered in Sandton last March, although it was reported he died when a fire broke out in his cell.
The investigation later revealed that Katleho Bereng’s body was placed in Bester’s cell as bait when he escaped the facility.
The defendants face charges including fraud, bribery, helping prisoners escape, trespassing, arson and perverting justice. Meanwhile, Magudumana failed to appear in court on Wednesday after collapsing before the hearing. She was said to have stripped naked when she was taken from prison to court.
His lawyer, Machini Motloung, said Magudumana’s request to appear virtually was rejected by the court.