The Department of Correctional Services (DCS) has confirmed that Facebook rapist Thabo Bester has been transferred to another prison.
The department on Friday said that Bester has been moved to eBongweni Super Maximum Correctional Facility in Kokstad.
Transfer
eBongweni Super Maximum Correctional is about 700km away from the Kgosi Mampuru prison where Bester was held.
“It has to be emphasised that offender transfers are a routine practice, guided by established security risk assessments to ensure the safety, security, and stability of correctional facilities and the broader criminal justice system,” Correctional Services Department spokesperson Singabakho Nxumalo said.
“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.”
Logistics
Nxumalo said necessary logistical arrangements “remain in place to ensure that court appearances and legal proceedings proceed without disruption”.
Bester escaped from the G4S-run Mangaung Correctional Centre in Bloemfontein in May 2022, after it was initially believed he had committed suicide by setting himself alight in his cell.
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*This is a developing story
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