- "Facebook Rapist," made a surprising plea in court
- Bester claimed his co-defendants, linked to his elaborate prison escape using a fake body
- Bester represented himself due to a lawyer dispute
Convicted rapist and murderer Thabo Bester made a dramatic plea in court, urging for capital punishment, despite its abolition in South Africa since 1995.
Bester, known as the “Facebook Rapist” for using the social media platform to lure victims, also seeks the release of his co-accused linked to his prison escape.
In a courtroom outburst, Bester expressed his anguish, stating, “I feel it’s unfair for these people who are sitting here as my so-called co-accused to be in court when I know very well that they have nothing to do with this.”
Despite facing life imprisonment, Bester appeared without legal representation due to a dispute over fees.
Bester’s escape from Mangaung prison, orchestrated with the alleged use of a decoy body, led to a legal saga involving his girlfriend and others.
Despite bail for most co-accused, Bester and his associates remain incarcerated after being apprehended in Tanzania.
During his impassioned plea, Bester criticized the Department of Correctional Services and blamed political interference for his plight.
He lamented his treatment, citing restrictions on court attire and media portrayal, insisting on fair treatment and an end to his legal ordeal.
