Court dismisses Thabo Bester’s bid for reclassification

The High Court in Johannesburg has thrown out Thabo Bester’s attempt to be reclassified as an awaiting trial detainee.

Last week, the convicted murderer and rapist represented himself in court, arguing that his rights were being violated. He claimed that correctional services had found him guilty of escaping from prison even though his trial on escape-related charges has not yet begun.

Bester said his situation was not a typical escape where someone breaks out of a wall and jumps. He argued that he had been out for a very long time and that authorities simply decided he had escaped. He wanted the court to change his status from a sentenced prisoner to a remanded detainee.

On Wednesday, the court found his arguments had no merit.

Bester also told the court he was on holiday in Tanzania when he fled South Africa. The state rejected his application as baseless.

Bester remains a sentenced prisoner held at Ebongweni Correctional Facility. He still faces further charges linked to his escape from the Mangaung Correctional Centre.