JOHANNESBURG – Convicted murderer and rapist Thabo Bester says Correctional Services’ reasoning for his transfer to Kokstad’s eBongweni super-max prison was a “sham.”
Appearing virtually before the Free State High Court on Thursday, Bester -- who is serving a sentence for the 2011 murder of his then-girlfriend, Nomfundo Thyulu -- said he is not a security risk.
Bester is also facing a separate case in the Bloemfontein High Court related to his dramatic 2023 escape from Mangaung Correctional Centre. The matter is set for case management on 18 March 2026, with trial dates scheduled for 20 July and 18 September 2026.
READ | Bester, Matlala moved to Kokstad due to security concerns
Last week, Correctional Services National Commissioner Makgothi Thobakgale said Bester was transferred over security concerns.
However, on Thursday, Bester disputed this, saying the transfer was based only on “allegations.” He also claimed that his detention at Kokstad limits his ability to consult with his legal team.
“High risk rises on three security assessments. It cannot be on allegation. I have not been convicted of escape, so you cannot classify me as high risk on allegation,” he told the court.
“In my conduct file, for 13 years, I have not been found with one infringement. There is no other conduct they can state that I have been convicted of. I’ve done nothing.”
Bester further claimed he was being targeted simply for being “Thabo Bester.”
The Free State High Court says it will make a ruling next week.