The trial against Thabo Bester and his co-accused has been postponed to July.

The matter was due to get underway on Monday; however, there are two matters that still need to be finalised.

According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), the outstanding matters relate to Bester's co-accused and former lover, Dr Nandipha Magudumana's application in the Supreme Court of Appeal where she is fighting the legalities around her return to South Africa following her and Bester's arrest in Tanzania.

It is believed that at the time of her arrest, Magudumana told officials she wanted to return to South Africa to see her children. However, she has since stated that her extradition was unlawful.

The second issue that contributed to the delay was Bester's appeal for a laptop, clothing and certain food - which the NPA still needs to argue on his application.

Bester and Magudumana were arrested on April 8, 2023, in Arusha, Tanzania. The pair had allegedly escaped from SA after Bester's escape from the Mangaung Correctional Centre made news headlines.

The rest of the accused are; Senohe Matsoara, Teboho Liphoko, Buti Masukela, Tieho Makhotsa, Zanda Moyo, and Joel Makhetha.

The accused face charges of fraud, corruption, assisting an inmate to escape, violation of a body, arson, and defeating the ends of justice.

seanne.rall@iol.co.za

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