Thabo Bester, infamously known as the “Facebook Rapist,” has filed a court application seeking access to a laptop while in prison.
Story Summary:
- Thabo Bester is seeking a laptop in prison, claiming it is essential for preparing his legal defence.
- The Department of Correctional Services rejected the request, citing security risks tied to his past escape and fraudulent activities using a laptop.
- Bester previously used a laptop to orchestrate his 2022 escape and commit fraud while in prison.
Thabo Bester fields reasons for his need of a laptop in prison
The convicted murderer and serial fraudster argues that he needs the laptop to adequately prepare his defence for his upcoming legal proceedings.
Bester, who is currently held at the Kgosi Mampuru II CMAX prison, claims that without a laptop, he is unable to properly manage his defence strategy for the trial set to take place in February 2025.
Bester is representing himself in some aspects of the legal proceedings and states that the complexities of his case, including an alleged oath of secrecy involving the State Security Agency and the Office of the Presidency, require additional tools for preparation.
He insists that the laptop is crucial to reviewing legal documents and engaging in the necessary research to ensure his right to a fair trial.
He maintains that being deprived of this equipment violates his basic human rights, stating:
“I am not only fighting for my right to a fair trial but the basic human dignity that every detainee is entitled to.”
Why a laptop in Bester’s possession poses a security threat
The Department of Correctional Services (DCS) has previously denied Bester’s request for a laptop, citing major security risks.
The department has raised concerns that allowing Bester access to electronic devices could provide him with the means to orchestrate another escape.
Bester’s notorious escape from Mangaung Prison in 2022 involved an elaborate plot that included creating a fake identity under the name of Thomas Motsepe.
He also used a laptop during his previous incarceration to con unsuspecting individuals out of millions.
Singabakho Nxumalo, the spokesperson for the DCS, commented on the matter, saying:
“We are dealing with an inmate capable of engineering elaborate means to escape from lawful custody. Hence, we are duty-bound to employ strict security measures, within the confines of the law, in order to prevent any chance of him escaping once again.”
The DCS further noted that while prisoners are entitled to certain rights, these must be balanced with security concerns.
Providing Bester with unsupervised access to a laptop could jeopardise the safety of both the facility and the public, the department stressed.
Thabo Bester trial update
Bester’s trial date has been set for February 2025, with the court confirming that his legal team is currently preparing for the proceedings.
The case, which involves multiple charges including fraud, murder, and rape, is anticipated to be one of the most high-profile legal battles in South African history.
His escape from Mangaung prison, where he faked his death, and subsequent recapture in Tanzania alongside Dr Nandipha Magudumana, has captivated national attention.
In addition to his laptop request, Bester has filed other grievances regarding his treatment in prison.
He alleges that he is being held in solitary confinement for 23 hours a day, which his legal team argues is a violation of his constitutional rights.
The DCS has refuted these claims, stating that Bester is treated like other inmates and has adequate access to telephonic communication and legal consultations.
As the trial date approaches, the court will also address Bester’s application challenging his detention conditions at Kgosi Mampuru II CMAX prison.
Whether or not the court will grant Bester access to a laptop remains to be seen, but the DCS is expected to oppose the request, citing the security risks involved.
