By: Natasha Archary

Image: Thabo Bester at his court appearance Courtesy of Chriselda Lewis
The State has withdrawn charges against three accused in the Thabo Bester escape case.
On Wednesday, 11 October, Nastassja Jansen, Thabang Mier and Moeketsi Ramolula had the cases against them dropped, and the charges against them were withdrawn.
Jansen, who was granted R10 000 bail on 29 May due to the weak case against her, told media that she was relieved that she can now move on with her life, having been acquitted of any involvement in Bester’s brazen escape from the Mangaung Correctional Center.
Bester, a convicted rapist and murderer made an appearance at the Bloemfontein Magistrates Court, together with the 10 others who were accused of aiding and abetting him.
His alleged lover and fellow accomplice, Dr Nandipha Magudumana was not in court as she was being treated by paramedics after she collapsed.
Bester who escaped from lawful custody in May 2022, by faking his death told the court he has included the services of Advocate Dali Mpofu on his legal team.
Thabo Bester, who is currently represented by Advocate Jan Loubser, has also added Advocate Zandile Mshololo to his legal representation.
“He’s going to remain on my team, the both of them will be part of the team now representing me. I feel like there’s quite a few things that I want them to deal with, and I would like both of them to remain as instructing attorneys.”
Thabo Bester
A date for a pre-trial hearing has been set for 21 February 2024 in Dr Nandipha Magudumana’s absence.
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