JOHANNESBURG - The prison escape trial of Thabo Bester, his partner Nandipha Magudumana and their seven co-accused is set to begin in April 2027.
They appeared in the High Court in Bloemfontein on Friday.
Bester’s lawyers told the court that they were not yet ready because they had struggled to consult with their client at eBongweni Super Maximum in Kokstad.
READ | 'My rights are being violated' - Thabo Bester
Nandipha Magudumana’s lawyers cited her pending Constitutional Court challenge and argued that her virtual appearance made it hard to get urgent instructions from her during proceedings.
Bester faces charges for escaping Mangaung Correctional Centre in May 2022.
Magudumana and six others are accused of aiding his escape.
Magudumana’s Constitutional Court ruling on her deportation remains pending. Bester said he still struggles to consult with his legal team in prison.