Five accused in Bester escape saga make final pleas for bail

Closing arguments for the five co-accused in the Thabo Bester prison break scandal will be heard in the Bloemfontein magistrate’s court.

BLOEMFONTEIN - Closing arguments for the five co-accused in the Thabo Bester prison break scandal will be heard in the Bloemfontein magistrate’s court.

On Friday, the court heard details of how each suspect is implicated in Bester’s escape from the Mangaung Correctional Centre in May last year.

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The investigating officer has detailed how five of the accused are linked to the escape.

The state says if the accused are released on bail, this could result in public outrage and that they could also interfere with investigations.

READ: Thabo Bester escape | Five co-accused bail bid postponed

The accused’s lawyers have rubbished that claim. They argue their clients aren't flight risks and won't interfere with investigations.

The five co-accused face Schedule 1 offences, meaning the onus is on the state to show the court why the interests of justice don't permit their release. 

* eNCA's Scara Mafokoane reports.

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