Another pre-trial hearing in the Thabo Bester escape saga is scheduled for Friday at the Free State High Court. The court is set to assess the status of pending cases and lay the foundation ahead provisional trial date set for 20 July to 18 August.
During the previous appearances both Bester and his co-accused, Dr Nandipha Magudumana informed the court of the pending matters which they argued could have a bearing on the trial.
Bester and co-accused face various charges including aiding Bester to escape from prison, arson and violating a corpse.
The charges stem from Bester’s escape from the Mangaung prison in May 2022.
Bester escape matter returns to the Free State High Court for an update on pending matters ahead of the provisional trial date of July.
Bester previously highlighted various interlocutory matters which were set to be heard by different courts.
His lawyer, Advocate MoAfrika wa Maila contended that this pending issues have a terrible impact on their preparations for trial.
He argued this matters include application to have his bank account unfrozen and conditions application relating to lack of consultation with his lawyers among others.
“We have documents, classified information that we want to prepare for our defence. That will include some documents that are in possession of the President of the Republic of South Africa, [and] that will include the phone records of some of the politicians. I name [International Relations Minister] Mr Ronald Lamola that will include also, some of the classified information of the national intelligence,” adds Wa Maila.
The court will also get an update on Dr Magudumana’s matter that is before the Constitutional Court.
Magudumana wants her arrest and deportation in Tanzania in April 2023 to be declared unlawful.
In May, the Apex court heard her appeal after her bid was dismissed by the Supreme Court of Appeal.
Meanwhile, Bester, Magudumana and Zanda Moyo remain in custody while the other accused are out on bail.
Bester was transferred to the eBongweni Super Maximum Correctional Facility in Kokstad, KwaZulu-Natal while Magudumana who is being held in Kroonstad, are set to appear virtually.
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