Thabo Bester during his trial more than ten years ago. (Photo: Provided)
A reward of R100 000 has been issued for any information that will lead to the successful arrest and prosecution of the so-called Facebook rapist and convicted murderer Thabo Bester.
The reward was issued by the private security company Fidelity ADT. This is the latest development in the case which is attracting worldwide attention.
A temporary manager was appointed on Thursday for the maximum security prison in Bloemfontein from which Bester escaped. The private security company G4S, which has been running the prison in question for years, was given the go-ahead and Patrick Ali Mashabathakga was appointed as temporary manager.
Investigators concluded that Bester’s escape was “well planned and organised”.
On the day of Bester’s alleged death and eventual escape, a private vehicle entered the prison gate without a valid entry permit. Investigators suspect that the vehicle transported the body, which later charred in Bester’s cell.
Photo of a person who people believe is Thabo Bester, the so-called Facebook rapist. (Photo: GroudUp/Provided)
The result of the DNA analysis of the charred body has already confirmed that it is not Bester’s remains. Apparently, the prison’s CCTV was also tampered with.
Three officials, including the director of contract management at the department’s head office, and two other custodians have already been suspended for their alleged involvement in the case.
General Fannie Masemola, national police chief, earlier instructed that the investigation into Bester be given priority and be done in the interests of justice for the victims, survivors and the affected families.
A murder case is also being investigated in connection with the body that was found in the cell where Bester was held and escaped from after the results of the DNA analysis confirmed that it was not the body of Bester.
The autopsy report further revealed that the deceased died due to blows to the head with a blunt object. The person was already dead before the alleged arson.
