Thabo Bester in court. eNCA/Silindelo Masikane
BLOEMFONTEIN - Convicted rapist Thabo Bester wants access to International Relations Minister Ronald Lamola’s cellphone records.
He also wants access to documents from the Presidency and Crime Intelligence to prepare for his upcoming prison escape trial.
Bester has filed an access to information application in the Pretoria High Court.
He appeared with his co-accused in the Bloemfontein High Court on Friday for pre-trial proceedings linked to his dramatic 2023 escape from the Mangaung Correctional Centre.
Bester argues that the information is necessary for his defence.
He is also demanding access to a laptop and his frozen bank accounts.
In September, the State informed the Constitutional Court that Bester’s trial can only begin once the Apex Court finalises Nandipha Magudumana’s application.
The matter returns on 18 March 2026 for case management.
Trial dates have been set for 20 July and 18 September 2026.