Summary of the Story:
- Thabo Bester’s trial date has been set for early 2025.
- All legal teams, except Bester’s new counsel, were ready for the trial.
- Bester filed an application regarding inhumane prison conditions at Kgosi Mampuru II CMAX Prison.
Thabo Bester‘s trial date has been set for 2025, following a court appearance on Wednesday.
Thabo Bester trial date confirmed: Here’s what you must know
During Wednesday’s court session, the judge confirmed that Bester’s trial will commence on 10 February 2025.
The decision followed deliberations on the readiness of Bester’s new legal team, led by Attorney Dinana Reid and Advocate Lerato Moela, who required additional preparation time.
State prosecutor Amanda Bester indicated that all other counsel were prepared, and the trial will span the entire term, extending into the third term if necessary.
The trial is set to be one of the most anticipated legal proceedings in recent South African history.
Bester, infamously known as the “Facebook Rapist,” faces multiple charges, including murder, fraud, and rape.
The convicted serial rapist and murderer, along with his fugitive lover, Dr Nandipha Magudumana, were arrested in Arusha, Tanzania, on Friday, 7 April 2023, more than 11 months after the couple pulled off one of the most sophisticated prison escapes ever recorded in history.
Bester files application over ‘inhumane’ prison conditions
In addition to setting the trial date, Bester’s legal team filed an application challenging his detention conditions at Kgosi Mampuru II CMAX Prison.
According to a statement from Bester’s lawyers, he has been held in solitary confinement for 23 hours a day since April 2023, which they argue violates his constitutional rights.
They highlighted the detrimental psychological effects of such isolation, including anxiety, depression, and hallucinations.
The statement asserted that the conditions at CMAX hinder Bester’s ability to prepare a defence adequately.
His lawyer, Reid, stated”
“The restrictions on legal consultation, lack of privacy, and inadequate protection of privileged information directly undermine his constitutional right to a fair trial.”
The court acknowledged the application but noted that the matter was not ready for hearing as the prosecution had not filed a reply.
The judge indicated that the application would be addressed before the trial begins.