…By Roland Peterson for TDPel Media.
One of the three G4S employees arrested in connection with Thabo Bester’s prison escape has been granted bail in the Bloemfontein Magistrate’s Court.
Thabang Mier, accused number 10 in the case, appeared in court alongside Joel Makhetha and Moeketsi Ramolula.
Mier, facing a schedule one charge of aiding an inmate’s escape, was granted bail of R10,000.
The conditions of his bail include surrendering his passport, refraining from contacting witnesses, and informing the investigating officer before leaving Bloemfontein.
Mier’s next court appearance is scheduled for 8 August, when all the accused will appear.
Bail Applications for Makhetha and Ramolula to be Opposed
The State plans to oppose the bail applications of Joel Makhetha and Moeketsi Ramolula, accused numbers 11 and 12 respectively.
They face more serious schedule five charges, including violating a body, corruption, and aiding an inmate’s escape.
The bail hearing for Makhetha and Ramolula is expected to take place on Tuesday, 11 July.
Background: Thabo Bester’s Escape and Arrests Made
Thabo Bester escaped from the G4S-managed Mangaung Correctional Centre (MCC) in May 2022 and was later found to have been living in a mansion in Johannesburg.
He fled the country with his partner, celebrity doctor Nandipha Magudumana, who was also arrested.
The couple, along with an alleged accomplice, were apprehended in Tanzania.
Since then, the police have made additional arrests, with a total of twelve suspects connected to G4S in the case.
The investigation is ongoing, and further arrests may be forthcoming.
Conclusion:
In the ongoing case of Thabo Bester’s escape from the Mangaung Correctional Centre, Thabang Mier, one of the G4S employees implicated in the incident, has been granted bail.
Meanwhile, the bail applications of Joel Makhetha and Moeketsi Ramolula will be contested by the State.
The authorities continue to make arrests and investigate the circumstances surrounding Bester’s escape.