Convicted murderer and rapist Thabo Bester delivered an emotional rant in court, asking for the death penalty and the release of his co-accused.
Thabo Bester rant in court: Here’s what he said
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Tensions were palpable inside the Free State High Court on Wednesday when Bester took to the stand in an emotional outburst, representing himself after his latest legal representatives withdrew due to unpaid fees.
Bester implored the court to consider imposing the death penalty on him and to release his co-accused, who he insisted were innocent.
Bester expressed his frustration and despair, stating:
“I feel it’s unfair for these people who are sitting here as my so-called co-accused to be in court when I know very well that they have nothing to do with this.”
He continued, “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.”
Quoting outdated legislation, Bester suggested that the court should accept a public petition for his execution.
“Immediately I will agree to it and we can end this matter. I came here with 80 cars, I woke up at 02:00. I’ve been having chains on my feet. My feet are ice. I cannot feel my toes at this point. This is not the way I want to proceed, your Honour,” he said.
He further lamented the conditions of his confinement and accused the Department of Correctional Services of recording his calls with his legal team.
Bester also criticised the media for its portrayal of him and expressed concerns for his mental wellbeing, claiming he had not interacted with anyone other than a guard for 15 months.
Bester also complained about being told what to wear to court to avoid drawing attention, stating:
“I was told not to wear name-brand clothing because of the impression it made on the public.”
What’s the latest in court?
The judge responded to Bester’s tirade, advising him to engage with his legal representative and to lodge a complaint with Justice Edwin Cameron, the inspecting judge of prisons, regarding his conditions in prison.
“Mr. Bester, it seems to me what I intimated earlier still remains relevant and that is you must first engage the services of your legal representative. Secondly, with regards to your condition in prison, it is for that reason, that Justice Cameron is there,” the judge said.
Coincidentally, it was Justice Cameron who exposed Bester’s failed attempt at staging a suicide in prison and executing one of the most elaborate escapes in South African history.
Bester, along with his co-accused, including Nandipha Magudumana, Zolile Sekeleni, Xando Moyo, Teboho Lipholo, Buti Masukela, Teiho Makhotsa, Senohe Matsoara, and James Lipholo, appeared in court on charges related to Bester’s escape from Mangaung Correctional Centre.
The court proceedings are set to continue, with the next session scheduled for 24 July 2024.