The lawyer representing Thabo Bester, a convicted murderer and rapist who successfully escaped from the Mangaung Correctional Centre in May 2022 and was later captured in Arusha, Tanzania, in April 2023, is now being charged with attempted rape and assault.
The 27-year-old attorney, whose identity is withheld until pleading, had the case registered against him in March at the Bainsvlei Police Station in Bloemfontein.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority, the lawyer is scheduled to appear before the Sexual Offences Court in Bloemfontein on Wednesday. This court appearance comes one day after Bester and eight co-accused individuals will be appearing before the Bloemfontein Court. The lawyer, who serves as Bester’s instructing attorney, will be facing charges related to attempted rape and assault.
Reports indicate that the accused lawyer has been released on R1,000 bail and is being represented by Advocate Jeremiah Phela, Bester’s main attorney. When asked for a comment, Phela declined to provide any statement, stating, “No, unfortunately, I don’t have a comment. I can’t give a comment at all.”
It is worth noting that Thabo Bester faces several charges related to his escape, in addition to the previous murder and rape charges. Alongside Bester, eight others have also been arrested for their involvement in aiding his escape.
The investigation into the case against the lawyer is ongoing, and no further details have been released at this time.
