Pretoria – Convicted murderer Thabo Bester has criticised the Department of Correctional Services (DCS) for transferring him to the eBongweni Super Maximum Correctional Facility, arguing he has never been convicted of escape and should not be classified as a high-risk inmate.
Bester, who is serving a life sentence for the 2011 murder of his girlfriend Nomfundo Thyulu, faces a separate charge linked to his 2022 escape from Mangaung Correctional Centre, where he was initially believed to have died in a fire.
During a virtual Free State High Court appearance, Bester claimed he poses no security threat and alleged he was unfairly targeted due to his high-profile identity.
He also said he was not properly informed about the transfer and described the decision as irrational.
“I have never been convicted of escape. So you cannot classify me as a high risk on an allegation.
[WATCH] #ThaboBester in the Free State high court virtually today.
“I have not been convicted of an escape. I can’t be classified as high risk on an allegation.”#eNCA pic.twitter.com/Pqgak5cL0H
— Silindelo Sebata (@Sli_Masikane) February 5, 2026
“In my conduct, with the file, the correctional service sits with it for 13 years. I have not even been found of one infringement, my bringing to the center or other centers. There is no other conduct that they can state that this is what Mr Best has been convicted of in the facilities of correctional services.
” Well, this is what he has done. This is the threat he has posed. This is the contact he has made. I’ve done nothing,[sic]” Bester said.
The DCS defended the move, stating inmate transfers are routine and based on security risk assessments, adding that Bester still has access to legal representation, family communication, and court proceedings.
Bester and his co-accused, including Dr Nandipha Magudumana, are due back in court on 18 March 2026 for case management, with the escape trial scheduled to run from July to September 2026.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
