Shocking new details have emerged surrounding the escape of convicted murderer Thabo Bester and the charred body found in his cell at Mangaung Correctional Centre.
Corpse found in Thabo Bester cell identified as Katlego Bereng Mpholo
Bester, who was serving life for two counts of rape, aggravated robbery and murder at Mangaung Correctional Centre, was apprehended in Arusha, Tanzania, along with his lover, Dr Nandipha Magudumana, on 8 April 2023, around 11 months after he pulled off a daring escape.
As reported by News24, the charred body found in Bester’s cell on 3 May 2022 was initially believed to be his, but multiple DNA tests have since confirmed that, in fact, the corpse belonged to a man named Katlego Bereng, the biological son of Monica Bereng.
The family was notified of the shocking revelation on Friday, 21 April 2023 and has been left devastated by the news.
There have been concerns surrounding how Bereng’s body was smuggled into the prison and who was responsible for the arson that occurred in the Facebook rapist’s cell before his escape.
Dr Nandipha’s father, Zolile Sekeleni, two former G4S employees, Senohe Motsoara and Motanyane Masukela, and Tebogo Lipholo have since appeared in court on charges related to Bereng’s death as well as Bester’s escape.
During a portfolio committee meeting a week after Bester’s re-arrest, G4S Auditor and Risk Director Gert Beyleveld confirmed that at least seven employees were dismissed for failing to follow due process and possibly colluding in the smuggling of Bereng’s body.
The company also revealed shocking details of how a vehicle carrying a TV stand cabinet gained unauthorized entry into the prison on 29 April 2022, the same day Bester submitted an application to be moved to the isolated Cell 35, due to fears for his life.
It still remains to be seen if Dr Nandipha and her co-accused had any involvement in Bereng’s death. What we do know for certain, though, is that Monica’s son was already dead by blunt force trauma when the fire broke out in Bester’s cell.
This begs two questions: Was he already dead when his body was smuggled into Mangaung prison? and if so, who delivered the deathly blow?
This is a developing story.