Three individuals accused of aiding the escape of convicted rapist and murderer Thabo Bester have been granted bail by the high court in Bloemfontein.
The accused, Teboho Lipholo, Senohe Matsoara, and Tieho Makhotsa had previously been denied bail by the Bloemfontein Magistrates Court but appealed the decision.
On Wednesday, the High Court determined that they were not likely to flee and expressed confidence that they would not tamper with witnesses or undermine the criminal justice system if released on bail.
Judge Joseph Mhlambi presiding over the case, stated in his ruling: “I am of the view that the appellants are not a flight risk. I find that there is neither a likelihood that they will influence or intimidate witnesses or undermine the criminal justice system if they were to be released on bail.”
The three individuals were each released on R10 000. However, the court has imposed strict bail conditions to ensure their compliance with legal proceedings. As part of these conditions, Lipholo, Matsoara, and Makhotsa are required to report to the Kagisanong police station every Monday between 6am and 6pm.
Additionally, they are prohibited from leaving Bloemfontein without written permission from the investigating officer.
The trio is facing charges of fraud, corruption, and defeating the ends of justice for their alleged involvement in facilitating Bester’s escape.
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