Thabo Bester Ignored by Nandi in Courtroom Drama

Thabo Bester Ignored by Nandi in Courtroom Drama

Convicted murderer and rapist Thabo Bester experienced an icy reception at the Free State High Court on Wednesday, where his former partner, Dr. Nandipha Magudumana, blatantly ignored him. The two, alongside seven other co-accused, including Magudumana’s father, were present for a pretrial conference.

As Magudumana entered the court, all eyes were on her. She was dressed in a black Nike hoodie and beige pants. Cameras captured the moment she embraced her father, Zolile Sekeleni, before taking her seat. Not once did she glance at Bester, who quietly took a seat in the row behind her. Bester exchanged a few words with the co-accused seated next to Magudumana, but she remained focused straight ahead, seemingly uninterested in his presence.

The group faces serious charges stemming from Bester’s dramatic escape from the Mangaung Correctional Centre in May 2022. Alongside Bester, the accused include Magudumana, Sekeleni, Xando Moyo, Teboho Lipholo, Buti Masukela, Teiho Makhotsa, Senohe Matsoara, and James Lipholo. They are charged with defeating the ends of justice and aiding in Bester’s escape. Additionally, they are implicated in the murder of Katlego Bereng, whose charred body was discovered in Bester’s cell following the escape.

The case has been postponed to July 31. Notably, two of the accused will need to apply for Legal Aid. Bester, meanwhile, has secured the services of advocate Lerato Moela as his legal representative.

In a previous court appearance, Bester made a dramatic plea for the death penalty, asking for his co-accused to be released. “Your Honour, I say this as a broken man and I say this wholeheartedly, it tears me apart to see these people in this court, knowing well that they are suffering for something they know nothing about,” he declared. However, the judge reminded Bester that South Africa does not have the death penalty.

The courtroom tension and Magudumana’s cold demeanor towards Bester have added another layer of intrigue to an already high-profile case. As the trial progresses, the public remains captivated by the unfolding drama involving one of South Africa’s most notorious criminals.