On Thursday, former G4S prison guard Motanyane Masukela was remanded in custody after a brief appearance at the Bloemfontein Magistrate’s Court.
Motanyane Masukela expected to apply for bail
The 51-year-old, who was arrested while on duty at the Mangaung Correctional Centre (MCC) on Tuesday, was formally charged with aiding and abetting the escape of Thabo Bester and defeating the ends of justice.
On Thursday, State prosecutors registered the charges and informed the court of their intention to oppose bail.
Masukela on the other hand, opted for public representation, and the magistrate met the NPA’s request for the disgraced G4S prison guard to reappear alongside Dr Nandipha Magudumana, his former colleague Senohe Motsoara and Tebogo Lipholo for bail hearings scheduled for 3 and 4 May 2023.
The 51-year-old’s arrest on Tuesday is the latest development in Bester’s daring prison break, which he brazenly pulled off on the morning of 3 May 2022.
Police Minister Bheki Cele revealed, during a media briefing that as the probe into Bester’s escape deepens, more arrests ought to be expected.
“As you know that four people have appeared in court today and… Thabo [Bester] himself… and when you ask the investigative team, many people are expected [to be arrested] as the investigation continues,” Cele said.
Investigators were also questioning a man believed to be Dr Nandipha’s bodyguard, who was tracked down in the North West in possession of the disgraced aesthetician’s Porsche Cayenne.
However, at this juncture, the unknown male acquaintance has only been tagged as a person of interest.
Dr Nandipha’s father, Zolile Cornelius Sekeleni is the only co-accused who was granted bail. He is due back in court alongside Bester on 16 May 2023.