Pretoria – The Department of Correctional Services (DCS) has transferred convicted killer and rapist Thabo Bester from Kgosi Mampuru Prison in Pretoria to eBongweni Super Maximum Correctional Facility in KwaZulu-Natal.
Businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, facing multiple attempted murder charges, is also held at eBongweni.
DCS confirmed the transfers are routine and based on security risk assessments, ensuring inmates continue to receive care and maintain access to legal representation and court proceedings.
Convicted criminal Thabo Bester has been moved to eBongweni Maximum Prison on Kokstad. This is the same prison where Cat Matlala is moved to, it is said to be one of the difficult prisons in the country.
Thabo Bester
Cat Matlala #MadlangaCommission pic.twitter.com/xESkdFIEmO— The Lord Of The Wings( Lisa) Arsenal Biggest Fan🏐 (@WhyUfikelate) January 30, 2026
“The offender will continue to receive appropriate care in line with applicable legislative and policy prescripts and will retain full access to legal representation, family communication, and court processes,” the department said.
Bester, who escaped Mangaung Correctional Facility in May 2022, returned to South Africa in April 2023 and faces charges including fraud, corruption, aiding escape, arson, and defeating justice, with his trial scheduled for March 2026.
Matlala’s detention has raised concerns, as his lawyer claimed restricted access and monitored consultations at eBongweni hamper trial preparation.
JUST IN | Serious offender Thabo Bester has been transferred from the maximum-security C-Max section of the Kgoši Mampuru II Correctional Facility in Pretoria to eBongweni Super Maximum Correctional Facility in Kokstad, KZN.
📹Department of Correctional Services/@CrimeWatch_RSA pic.twitter.com/4GARYXxigz
— Current Affairs ZA (@zacurrentaffair) January 30, 2026
Matlala faces 11 counts of attempted murder, including high-profile attacks in 2022–2024.
His trial has been postponed to February 6 to explore transferring him to a facility closer to the court in Gauteng. Other co-accused, including his wife and associates, remain either in custody or out on bail.
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Compiled by Lisabeal Nqamqhele
