Thabo Bester Asks Mshololo and Mpofu to Join Legal Team as Case Shifts to Free State High Court

Thabo Bester and 10 others are facing a significant legal twist as their case is transferred to the Free State High Court. This change comes as Bester seeks to engage the services of renowned attorneys.

Recently, the accused were scheduled for a straightforward postponement hearing in the Bloemfontein Magistrate’s Court. However, an unexpected turn of events unfolded when it was revealed that Bester’s partner, Dr. Nandipha Magudumana, had fainted in the holding cells while awaiting her court appearance. This incident added complexity and drama to the case, presided over by Magistrate Estelle de Lange.

Machini Motloung, the attorney representing Dr. Magudumana, informed the media that his client had been hospitalized the day before. Despite her condition, she was transported from Kroonstad prison to Bloemfontein against her will. In court, she appeared unwell, lying on the cell floor. Motloung stated that this treatment was harsh and emphasized that even the accused have rights.

During the proceedings, the state decided to drop charges against three defendants: Nastassja Jansen, Thabang Matthews Mier, and Moeketsi April Ramolula, all of whom had previously worked for G4S.

The issue of who would represent Thabo Bester legally took center stage before the case could proceed. In a surprising twist, Peter Matee, who had been Bester’s attorney at his previous court appearance in August, was replaced by another attorney, Loubser, who appeared without Matee’s knowledge.

Advocate Zandile Mshololo and Loubser both claimed to be Bester’s legal representatives. Matee sought clarification, asserting that he had not been officially relieved as Bester’s attorney despite having extensive discussions with his client before the hearing.

Bester clarified the situation, stating, “They’re both going to be a part of my team. I feel like there are a lot of things I want them to take care of, and I want both of them to continue serving as my instructing lawyers along with Advocate Mshololo and Advocate Dali Mpofu. Therefore, I want them both to stay on the team.”

Despite the absence of accused number four, Dr. Magudumana, Bester expressed confidence in his legal team’s ability to handle the case transfer. The pretrial proceedings are set to commence in February.