Convicted killer and notorious "Facebook rapist" Thabo Bester's escape from Mangaung Correctional Centre in May 2022 has been the subject of intense scrutiny and public outrage.
The escape, orchestrated with the help of prison officials, saw Bester flee the country, leaving behind a charred corpse that was initially presumed to be his own. However, a recent revelation sheds light on an earlier incident that could have brought Bester's reign of terror to an abrupt end: his arrest and subsequent release by corrupt police officers in Laingsburg, Western Cape.
The incident occurred on 16 August 2022, when Bester, driving a Range Rover registered to the husband of his girlfriend and accomplice Nandipha Magudumana, was pulled over at a roadblock for exceeding the speed limit by a significant margin. He was clocked at over 190km/h in a 120km/h zone on the N1 near Laingsburg.
Bester, known for his smooth-talking charm, allegedly claimed to be an executive director for the popular Mzansi Magic telenovela Gomora, rushing to a shoot in Johannesburg. When asked for his driver's licence, he presented an identity document bearing the false name of Tom Kelly, claiming he had left his licence in another car.
The traffic officers, despite recognizing Bester, played along with his story, fearing potential repercussions. After placing him in a holding cell, they informed other officers at the station of the situation and requested their assistance in verifying Bester's identity document. A trip to the local home affairs department revealed that the ID was indeed fake, containing a correct photo of Bester but a false name.
Bester was duly charged with reckless driving and fraud. However, while the officers were still at home affairs, a shocking turn of events unfolded. Bester, it is alleged, bribed police officers at the Laingsburg police station to secure his release.
He was let go on a warning, with an order to appear in court a month later. Bester, however, never returned for his court appearance, leading to a warrant for his arrest.
The officers who had initially arrested Bester were stunned to find him gone upon their return to the police station. They were informed that he had been released without their knowledge, despite being listed as a wanted person.
Sources reveal that the officers who released Bester were aware of his true identity but disregarded their colleagues' warnings, allegedly accepting a bribe in exchange for his freedom.
This incident has sparked a major internal investigation within the South African Police Service (SAPS), with a highly experienced national task team probing the corruption within their own ranks. The task team, composed of 11 members from across the country, has been tasked with uncovering the truth behind Bester's release and bringing those responsible to justice.
“The incident angered the police hierarchy because they believe that his arrest at the Laingsburg roadblock might have saved the country [a great deal of trouble]. The scandal exposed both the police and prison officials as [corrupt] amateurs, because, after escaping from jail, Bester ran free for a year,” said a source.
The investigation has revealed that the officers who released Bester were likely paid a substantial sum for their actions, although there is currently no concrete proof of a money exchange. The SAPS has confirmed an internal departmental investigation, sanctioned by deputy national police commissioner General Shadrack Sibiya, into the matter.
This incident highlights the systemic corruption that plagues South Africa's law enforcement agencies. The fact that a convicted criminal like Bester could bribe his way out of custody, despite being recognized by police officers, raises serious questions about the integrity and accountability of the SAPS. The investigation into Bester's release is a crucial step in addressing this deeply rooted problem.
