Thabo Bester remains at eBongweni after urgent application fails

Convicted killer and rapist Thabo Bester will have to stay at the country’s tightest security prison after he failed to convince the court that his matter on the move is urgent.

Bester’s urgent court bid was struck from the roll for lack of urgency on Tuesday afternoon. He sought to challenge his move to eBongweni Prison in Kokstad, KwaZulu-Natal.

He faces charges linked to his brazen escape from the Mangaung Correctional Facility in May 2022, where he was serving a life sentence.

Before the merits of Thabo Bester’s case could be heard in the Pretoria High Court today, Judge Mamoloko Kubushi ordered that the parties argue on the urgency of the matter.

Bester’s lawyers argued that the matter is urgent because it is impossible to consult with him and prepare for the main case against him while he is 700 kilometres away from Gauteng.

However, lawyers for Correctional Services argued that Bester deviated from the standard practice of giving respondents 10 days to respond and file their papers, questioning why the matter is extremely urgent.

Judge Kubushi ruled in Correctional Services' favour. While the matter is struck off the roll, Bester can still approach the court with another application.

READ MORE:

Judge dismisses Thabo Bester's application on his prison conditions

Bester challenges transfer from Kgosi Mampuru to eBongweni super-max facility

Bester’s lawyers fight for prison move, citing trial urgency