Just like his Kgosi Mampuru fellow inmate, Vusi “Cat” Matlala, Thabo Bester has made a fashionable appearance in court.
The convicted rapist, murderer, and fraudster appeared in the dock on Friday, relating to charges of his 2022 prison escape and violating a corpse.
Bester, his co-accused, Nandipha Magudumana, and several others are currently concluding pre-trial court proceedings.
THABO BESTER TURNS HEADS IN COURT
Like businessman Vusi “Cat” Matlala, who recently appeared in public before Parliament’s Ad Hoc Committee, Thabo Bester wore head-to-toe designer-branded clothing in court this week.
Bester appeared before the Free State High Court wearing a pullover, chino pants, and a belt made by French luxury fashion house, Louis Vuitton.
Before his rearrest, Bester – a convicted fraudster businessman – was accustomed to lavish lifestyles, flashy cars, and designer clothes.
His appearance in court immediately drew comparisons with Matlala, who donned designers Fendi and Burberry in front of Parliament’s Ad Hoc Committee last week.
X account @AdvoBarryRoux posted: “Thabo Bester just pulled a checkmate on Vusimuzi Cat Mtalala. The dressing competition between these two continues.”
Another – @Darviezzz – added: “Keep these two far apart! If they team up, they’ll run the prison. First, they’ll take over, then they’ll criticize everyone’s uniforms and host a prison fashion show.”
PRE-TRIAL PROCEEDINGS LATEST
In his latest court appearance, Thabo Bester boldly contested the legality of his arrest in Tanzania following his alleged prison escape in 2022.
Bizarrely, he demanded access to International Relations Minister Ronald Lamola’s cellphone records. He has also filed an application to access documents from the Presidency and Crime Intelligence
Bester also “wants to apply for funding to finance his legal representation.”
He is expected back in court for a pre-trial hearing on 18 March 2026.
