. He Details have been shared of Thabo Bester’s alleged prison syndicate where he conducted drug trafficking and operated a prostitution ring. Some prison guards have been implicated in this elaborate criminal circle that he operated.
Thabo Bester, initially convicted of murder and rape, was serving a life sentence at Mangaung maximum-security prison when he managed to escape in 2022 by setting his cell ablaze. Despite official announcements of his death, Bester was later recaptured, revealing a shocking web of illicit activities within the prison walls.
Thabo Bester’s Elaborate Prison Syndicate
Bester is believed to have held a prominent position in a complex prison syndicate. He was responsible for drug trafficking, money laundering, and even running s_ex operations behind bars. The syndicate allegedly included a senior prison manager, according to leaked documents from the Department of Correctional Services (DCS).
Investigations into Bester’s escape exposed several disturbing practices within the prison. This includes guards engaging in prostitution for sums ranging from R1,000 to R1,500. Bester was rumoured to have exploited this aspect of the syndicate. Furthermore, a ‘boy-wife’ movement was reportedly orchestrating s_exual encounters between prisoners.
Poison Plots and Escapes
The leaked DCS document also outlined a sinister poisoning campaign targeting inmates who allegedly witnessed events leading up to Bester’s escape. There was an alleged plot to poison Bester’s former cellmate, Zwelinzima Nquru after he expressed doubts about Bester’s reported demise.
Despite confirmation of the report by the department, further investigation was deemed impractical at the time. The case is currently before the court, with ongoing investigations related to the Thabo Bester escape incident.
The Trial and Luxurious Lifestyle
Bester, along with influencer Dr Nandipha Magudumana, faced legal consequences after being apprehended in Tanzania. Magudumana is accused of multiple offences, including fraud and assisting Bester in his escape. The trial is set to commence in the Free State High Court in Bloemfontein on 21 February. Bester is being held at Kgosi Mampuru Prison and Magudumana at Kokstad Prison.
Last August, Bester’s legal representative claimed that several items, including high-value electronics and accessories, were missing after his arrest. The reported stolen items, worth millions, have sparked controversy. Bester’s lawyer expressed frustration over the lack of accountability regarding their disappearance.
