Thabo Bester during his trial more than ten years ago. (Photo: Provided)
The African Christian Democratic Party (ACDP) demands that the heads of those who were involved in the escape of the so-called Facebook rapist and murderer, Thabo Bester, must roll.
“It is clear that his escape was well orchestrated with the help of money and power, as his escape only came to light a year later,” says Wayne Thring, deputy president of the ACDP.
“Heads must roll as the truth about this whole saga is revealed.”
Photos of a man who looks a lot like Bester have recently surfaced and put the investigation into his alleged death in a fire last year back into the spotlight.
Ten months after his alleged death, it came to light that Bester actually escaped from a maximum security prison in Bloemfontein and did not burn to death as the authorities had previously claimed.
The ACDP says pres. Cyril Ramaphosa must launch a private investigation into the incident – especially because Bester’s escape was apparently done with help from inside the prison.
“South Africans deserve to know what exactly happened,” says Thring.
“Those involved must be held accountable and concrete steps must be taken against them.”
Three officials, including the director of contract management at the Department of Correctional Services’ headquarters, and two other wardens have already been suspended for their alleged involvement in the case.
The private security company G4S, which has been running the prison in question for years, was also given the go-ahead and Patrick Ali Mashabathakga was appointed as temporary manager.
A reward of R100 000 has meanwhile been issued for any information that will lead to the successful arrest and prosecution of Bester.
“Our country cannot afford for rapists and murderers to walk around freely – this puts law-abiding citizens at risk and creates a dangerous precedent,” says Thring.
