Thabo Bester’s new defence attorney: ‘I just want to be famous’
Thabo Bester’s New Advocate, Lerato Moela, Achieves Fame as He Takes On High-Profile Case
Lerato Moela, the newly appointed advocate representing convicted killer and rapist Thabo Bester, is making waves in the legal community and beyond. Moela, who has long harbored dreams of fame, has seen his aspirations come to fruition as he steps into the spotlight as Bester’s legal representative.
Moela’s journey to fame is one he openly pursued. In a now-viral Facebook post from January 14, 2022, he unabashedly declared his desire for fame, stating, “I just want to be famous, and I am not apologetic about it. I tried VenRap, I tried soccer, I tried marathon, I tried accounting. LLB is going to make me a celebrity lawyer. Please ask them to televise me when I appear.” Two years later, Moela’s prediction has come true as he takes on one of South Africa’s most notorious cases.
Recently, Moela appeared before the Bloemfontein High Court as Bester’s legal representative, marking a significant milestone in his career. His court appearance has been celebrated by many, with social media flooded with congratulatory messages for the advocate. Moela, in turn, took to his own social media to celebrate, sharing photos and videos from the courtroom, including moments where he addressed the judge and engaged with senior advocate Dali Mpofu.
Moela’s newfound fame comes amid the high-stakes legal battle surrounding his client, Thabo Bester. Bester’s previous legal representatives withdrew from the case, citing challenges such as financial issues and difficulties in consulting with Bester while he is behind bars at Kgosi Mampuru Correctional Services in Pretoria. Despite these challenges, Moela has stepped into the role, determined to make a name for himself.
During recent court hearings, Bester, who is detained under strict conditions, has been vocal about his grievances. He complained about the conditions of his transportation from Pretoria to Bloemfontein and has been pushing for more relaxed incarceration conditions.
Currently, Bester is held in his cell for 23 hours a day, with only one hour of exercise, a situation he claims is detrimental to his mental health. However, the Department of Correctional Services has downplayed these claims, insisting that Bester is not in solitary confinement and that he has access to his legal team.
Moela’s representation of Bester has not only fulfilled his personal dream of fame but has also placed him in the ranks of high-profile defense attorneys who have taken on some of South Africa’s most challenging cases. As the case progresses, all eyes will be on Moela as he navigates the complexities of defending one of the country’s most infamous criminals.
Thabo Bester’s next court appearance is scheduled for February 2025, following his last hearing on July 31, where Judge Cagney Musi described the defense’s recent application as “half-baked.” As Moela continues to advocate for his client, the legal community and the public alike will be watching closely to see how this high-profile case unfolds.
