By: Natasha Archary
Magistrate Mohlolo Khabisi on Monday, 29 May, only granted 1 of 5 co-accused in the Thabo Bester case bail.
The other four accused, Senohe Matsoara, Teboho Lipholo, Motenyani Masukela, and Tieho Makhotsa were denied bail at the Bloemfontein Magistrates Court.
Only, Natassja Jansen was granted bail of R10 000 due to the “weak” case against her.
Khabisi shared evidence from a number of State witnesses which suggested Jansen only faced schedule one charges, which worked in her favour.
However, her other 4 co-accused are all facing schedule five charges, with sufficient prima facie evidence against them.
Bail was denied for all four men as the State argued that they were a flight risk, and would endanger the safety of the public and key witnesses.
There was also the fear that if bail was granted to the 4 co-accused, that lawlessness would ensue due to massive community outrage over the case.
The court also considered the family of Katlego Bereng’s request to deny bail to the co-accused. Bereng’s burnt body was used as a decoy to help Thabo Bester escape after he faked his own death in a prison fire.
The four, Matsoara, Lipholo, Masukela, and Makhotsa are all remanded in custody until 20 June, to allow for further investigations.
Jansen is expected back in court on the same day, with conditions of her bail including she reports to the Heidedal Police Station once a week.
In addition, Jansen cannot make contact with any of the State’s witnesses, and cannot leave Bloemfontein without the permission of the investigating officer.
All five are accused of assisting convicted rapist and murderer Thabo Bester in escaping from the Mangaung Correctional Center in May 2022.
The charges against them include fraud, arson, assisting an inmate in escaping lawful custody and defeating the ends of justice.
