High Court dismisses Thabo Bester's fair trial bid

JOHANNESBURG - Another legal setback for convicted rapist and murderer Thabo Bester.

The Free State High Court has dismissed his application challenging his fair trial rights.

Bester had asked the Department of Correctional Services to provide his lawyers with adequate time and private facilities to prepare his defence at Kgosi Mampuru Prison.

READ | Thabo Bester fails in urgent attempt to secure prison move

The court admits that his case is highly complex, with 38 counts, nine co-accused and over 5000 pages of documents.

But it says granting him special privileges could lead to other inmates demanding the same.

The judge stressed that authorities must not obstruct Bester's right to a fair trial, but found that the Department had complied with regulations.