Latest on Thabo Bester

Tshireledzo Ndou, the instructing attorney for convicted rapist and prison escapee Thabo Bester, is reportedly facing serious criminal charges himself.

NPA spokesperson Phaladi Shuping confirmed to IOL that there is a case of attempted rape and assault against Ndou and it was postponed to 21 June 2023.

Newzroom Afrika reported on Wednesday that the 27-year-old lawyer was out on R1 000 bail.

Taking to Twitter, the news channel posted a partial image of the charge sheet of a case opened at the Bainsvlei police station in Bloemfontein.

It further reported that Ndou would be represented by Bester's advocate, Jeremia Pela, who has reportedly also been criminally charged.

Pela is due to go on trial for alleged corruption involving security tender bribery at the Motheo TVET College in Bloemfontein.

Attempts to contact National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Phaladi Shuping have been made and the story will be updated once he has responded.

In this highly publicised case, the legal duo are representing convicted rapist and murderer Bester who escaped from the Mangaung prison before fleeing the country with his partner and alleged accomplice, celebrity doctor Nandipha Magudumana.

Details of his elaborate escape plan, lavish lifestyle in Johannesburg for a year after his escape, and deeply rooted corrupt connections have been spilling out in court as police investigators dig deeper and make more arrests.

A 31-year-old Zimbabwean national, Zanda Moyo, was the latest to be arrested for allegedly aiding Bester in his dramatic prison escape. He faced a charge of assisting an inmate to escape from lawful custody and was likely to face more charges, said police.

Moyo’s case was postponed to June 20, when he will join eight other accused in court.

Meanwhile Deceased cop in Thabo Bester escape case won several awards for his work. The Free State police officer believed to have died by suicide on Monday, who was one of those investigating the escaping of rapist and murderer Thabo Bester, had received several accolades for his work.

According to Netwerk24, Brigadier Jackson Mkhaulesi killed himself after leaving the Free State High Court in Bloemfontein, which dismissed an urgent application from Bester's girlfriend and alleged escaping accomplice, Dr Nandipha Magudumana, to have her "deportation" from Tanzania declared unlawful.

Police are still investigating the circumstances of his death, but colleagues told News24 they were so concerned about his attendance at court for the ruling in Magudumana's case that they frantically tried to trace his car after he left.

The officer was traced to an area close to a government garage. He was found dead in what is currently being investigated as a suicide.

News24 has also learnt that the Bester investigation and prosecution teams are "devastated" by the news of the officer's death, which completely overshadowed their victory in Magudumana's application.

A colleague described him as a "genuinely good man" and praised him as someone who was "dedicated" to his work.

National police commissioner Fannie Masemola said the officer was a "hardworking, loyal and dedicated detective" who was an expert in crime detection.

Masemola said Mkhaulesi served in the police force for 31 years and his death leaves a void in the service.

Over the years, he has proven himself to be a highly skilled detective who has a wealth of experience and knowledge in crime detection.

As a detective commander in 2014, Mkhaulesi was recognised among the top-performing officers in the police's national excellence awards. He was named the "detective employee of the year" in levels 8-12.

He was commended for being innovative in his leadership by encouraging his team to work over weekends to reduce their workloads in the week.

He also accompanied officers to crime scene tracing operations.

Not even resource shortages hindered him or his team from doing their work because, under his leadership, he borrowed vehicles from units to ensure police response.

He received a PC Special Award for Best Unit Convictions and Sentences. He was previously named the best general detective and overall operational member Level 8-12.

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In the 2012/23 financial year, his unit ratings were 76.56%, and he consistently received a four-star "unit".

Northern Cape Express reported that his accolades prior to the 2014 award included a best detective commander award in 2009, 2012 and 2013.

He was also voted best employee in 2012.

The publication reported that he was appointed to the Thabong police station in April 2014.

After his appointment, Mkhaulesi said he subscribed to Batho Pele principles to ensure the best service delivery.

"There is nothing impossible for a willing heart. If you are committed and have a passion for what you are doing, you can move mountains. I strongly believe in embracing Batho Pele principles as it guides us on how to satisfy the people," he said at the time.