JOHANNESBURG - Convicted murderer and rapist Thabo Bester has been moved to eBongweni Super Maximum Prison in Kokstad.
It's suspected that Bester was moved without the knowledge of his legal team.
His lawyers now say they will approach the court on an urgent basis for his return to Kgosi Mampuru Prison in Pretoria.
Department of Correctional Services (DCS) spokesperson Singabakho Nxumalo has confirmed the transfer.
Nxumalo emphasised that offender transfers are a routine practice and guided by established security risk assessments.
This is to ensure the safety, security and stability of correctional facilities.
Nxumalo said all logistical arrangements remain in place to ensure that court appearances and legal proceedings proceed without disruption.
"The offender will continue to receive appropriate care in line with applicable legislative and policy prescripts and will retain full access to legal representation, family communication, and court processes," Nxumalo said.
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Bester was involved in one of South Africa's dramatic prison escapes from the Mangaung Correctional Centre in 2022.
The plot saw him fake his own death and disappear, only to be recaptured in Tanzania in 2023.
He was extradited with his partner, Nandipha Magudumana, once a celebrated medical doctor.