Thabo Bester is a convicted rapist who escaped from a privately-run prison in Bloemfontein, South Africa, in May 2022. The authorities believed he had committed suicide by setting himself on fire behind bars, but it was revealed in March 2023 that DNA tests proved the charred remains found in his cell belonged to someone else. Bester was arrested in Tanzania in April 2023, along with a woman he is romantically involved with, Dr Nandipha Magudumana, and another person. The authorities stopped the black SUV the fugitives were travelling in after it left a hotel. The suspects were each in possession of several passports, according to Police Minister Bheki Cele. In this news, we will delve into the details of Thabo Bester’s escape, his arrest, and the role of the police and private security companies in tracking him down. What did Thabo Bester do?
Thabo Bester’s Escape from Prison
Thabo Bester, who was dubbed the “Facebook rapist,” had a history of luring his victims on the social media platform before raping and robbing them. He was sentenced to life in prison in 2012 for rape, robbery, and murder. However, Bester escaped from the privately-run prison in Bloemfontein in May 2022. According to reports, he broke out of prison by climbing over a wall and then scaling a fence.
After his escape, the authorities believed that Bester had committed suicide by setting himself on fire behind bars. They claimed that he left a note apologizing to his family and expressing his wish to die. However, in November 2022, local media outlet GroundUp raised doubts about Bester’s death, and the authorities began to investigate the matter.
In March 2023, the police revealed that DNA tests proved the charred remains found in Bester’s cell belonged to someone else. The police also opened a fresh murder investigation after an autopsy revealed that the body found in Bester’s cell had died as a result of blunt force trauma to the head before it was set ablaze. However, the identity of the body is still unknown.
Bester’s Arrest in Tanzania
Thabo Bester was arrested by Tanzanian authorities on Friday night in April 2023, along with Dr Nandipha Magudumana and another person. According to Justice Minister Ronald Lamola, Bester and Magudumana were in a romantic relationship. They were arrested in the northern Tanzanian city of Arusha, near the Kenyan border, as they attempted to leave the country. The suspects were each in possession of several passports. None of the passports was stamped, according to Police Minister Bheki Cele.
The authorities stopped the black SUV the fugitives were travelling in after it left a hotel. The suspects had arrived in Arusha from Dar es Salaam, according to Police Minister Bheki Cele. They were allegedly on their way to Kenya at the time of their arrest.
Role of Police and Private Security Companies in Tracking Bester Down
According to News24, South African Crime Intelligence officers tracked fugitive Thabo Bester to Tanzania, where they monitored him for a while before pouncing on Friday night. Private security company Fidelity ADT had also been assisting the police to hunt for the couple. Last week, CEO Wahl Bartmann put up R100,000 for information that would lead to their arrest. Fidelity ADT’s Business Intelligence Centre was able to trace the couple’s car using CCTV cameras.
According to sources who spoke to News24 on condition of anonymity, Crime Intelligence officials tracked Bester and Magudumana to Tanzania. The news of their arrest was received with much jubilation.
Private Security Company Fidelity ADT’s Role in the Arrest
It has been reported that private security company Fidelity ADT played a significant role in the capture of Thabo Bester and his accomplice, Dr Nandipha Magudumana. The CEO of Fidelity ADT, Wahl Bartmann, even offered a reward of R100,000 for any information leading to their arrest.
According to Bartmann, Fidelity ADT received many calls from the public, some of whom were not even interested in the reward money but just wanted to see the fugitives brought to justice. The tips eventually led to the identification of the vehicle the couple was using, and the Fidelity Business Intelligence Centre was able to trace the car using CCTV cameras.
Bartmann reported that the couple had left South Africa through the Zimbabwean border and fled to Tanzania, where they were apprehended. Fidelity ADT worked closely with the South African police and Interpol to bring the fugitives to justice.
Investigation into Bester’s Alleged Criminal Activities
Authorities are now investigating the investors who bankrolled Dr Nandipha Magudumana’s wellness clinic. They believe that these investors were working with Thabo Bester in nefarious activities on the other side of the prison. It is not yet clear whether any of these investors will face charges.
Meanwhile, the police are also investigating Bester’s alleged criminal activities, which earned him the moniker of the “Facebook rapist.” Bester is alleged to have used the social media platform to lure victims before raping and robbing them. He is also believed to have killed at least one victim.
In 2012, Bester was sentenced to life in prison for rape, robbery, and murder. He escaped from a privately-run prison in Bloemfontein in May 2021, but South African police only found out last month. Bester was believed to have died after setting himself on fire behind bars, but DNA tests revealed that the charred remains found in his cell belonged to someone else.
Summary
Thabo Bester’s arrest in Tanzania has brought an end to his status as a fugitive. He was a convicted rapist and murderer who had escaped from prison, faked his own death, and fled the country. The fact that he was able to evade South African authorities for almost a year is an embarrassment to the justice system.
The arrest is a testament to the joint efforts of law enforcement agencies, private security firms, and the public. The police, Interpol, and Fidelity ADT worked together to bring Bester and his accomplices to justice. The reward offered by Fidelity ADT played a significant role in motivating the public to come forward with information.
The investigation into Bester’s alleged criminal activities and the investors who bankrolled Dr Nandipha Magudumana’s wellness clinic is ongoing. It remains to be seen whether any of these investors will face charges.
The South African justice system has been criticized in the past for failing to bring perpetrators of violent crimes to justice. However, the successful apprehension of Thabo Bester in Tanzania is a sign that authorities are working hard to bring fugitives to justice, no matter where they flee.
Overall, Thabo Bester’s arrest is a reminder that crime does not pay, and fugitives will eventually be caught. The joint efforts of law enforcement agencies, private security firms, and the public can make a significant difference in bringing criminals to justice.
Courtesy: news24.com, citizen.co.za