The Burnt Body Found In Thabo Bester’s Cell At Mangaung Correctional Centre Identified
The South African Police Service (SAPS) has confirmed that the burnt body found in cell 35 at the Mangaung Correctional Centre has been identified as part of the escape plan of murderer and rapist Thabo Bester. The identification of the body comes after a direct match was made with the DNA of the biological mother of the deceased, according to police spokesperson Colonel Athlenda Mathe.
The burnt body belonged to Katlego Bereng who was murdered in cold blood to facilitate Thabo Bester’s prison escape.
Bester’s Recent Capture
Bester was recently re-arrested in Tanzania with his ‘accomplices’ socialite doctor Nandipha Magudumana. They were arrested with a Mozambican national who was “assisting” them at the time of his apprehension. The escapee had been at large for nine months after escaping from the Mangaung Correctional Centre in Bloemfontein in May 2022. Initially, he was believed to have committed suicide by setting himself alight in his cell. However, the Department of Correctional Services (DCS) confirmed that the charred body found in his cell was not that of Bester.
Read More: ‘He Was Conceived Through Rape’: Thabo Bester’s Mother Breaks Her Silence
SAPS Notification to the Family
According to Mathe, the deceased’s family has been notified by the investigating officer (IO), and no further comment will be provided. She stated that despite the difficulty of the news, SAPS is pleased to bring closure to the family. On Saturday afternoon, someone tweeted that the body was his son’s.
Closure to the Family
The body that was burnt by Thabo Bester in prison was that of my son. Our own government is failing us. I am broken
— Batho Mpholo (@BathoChief) April 22, 2023
Identifying the charred body is a significant step towards closure for the deceased body’s family, which has been unidentified for almost a year. The DCS will likely face questions regarding the security measures to prevent such incidents from happening again. The recent events underscore the importance of effective correctional services and maintaining the justice system’s integrity.