Thabo Bester, a convicted rapist and murderer, made headlines when it was revealed that he had been released by the South African Police Service (SAPS) after being apprehended for speeding in July 2022. Bester had escaped from the Mangaung Correctional Centre on 3 May of the same year, sparking outrage and concern among the public.
Minister of Police Senzo Mchunu confirmed the shocking news in response to questions from DA MP Nicholas Gotsell. It was disclosed that Bester had presented a fraudulent identity document under the name of Katlegho Nkwana to traffic officers from Laingsburg. Despite the officers realizing the document was fake, they were unaware of Bester’s true identity and released him with a notice to appear in court, which he never did.
Two police officers faced disciplinary action for their role in releasing Bester, with Mchunu emphasizing that suspects detained for speeding should not be released while awaiting confirmation of their involvement in other crimes. However, it was later revealed that investigators in Bloemfontein had already determined Bester’s escape by June 2022, contradicting SAPS’s claim of ignorance.
The timeline of events surrounding Bester’s escape further highlighted the systemic failures within the Department of Correctional Services. It was disclosed that delays in opening an escape case and informing relevant authorities allowed Bester to remain at large for an extended period. Both Roseline Phahlane and Chris Mahonono, key figures in the department, received warnings and were reassigned following the incident.
The expose of Bester’s escape by GroundUp in March 2023 prompted the establishment of a track and trace team to locate and apprehend him. Bester was eventually arrested in Tanzania on 8 April 2023, bringing an end to his stint on the run. The collaboration between the Department of Correctional Services and SAPS was crucial in the successful apprehension of Bester, highlighting the importance of inter-agency cooperation in tackling crime.
Overall, the incident involving Thabo Bester shed light on the challenges faced by law enforcement agencies in tracking down fugitives and the need for improved communication and coordination to prevent similar incidents in the future. By learning from this case, authorities can strengthen their efforts in ensuring the safety and security of the public.
