NPA to now shift focus to Bester’s escape investigation for trial preparation: Shuping

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) says it will now focus on its investigations into the convicted rapist and murderer Thabo Bester’s escape from prison to enable it to prepare for trial.

This comes after the Free State High Court dismissed with costs Bester’s girlfriend Dr Nandipha Magudumana’s application for leave to appeal.

Magudumana wanted the court to grant her permission to approach the Supreme Court of Appeal to make a determination on the legality of her arrest in Tanzania. This follows the dismissal of her application to have her arrest declare unlawful.

Handing down judgment, on Tuesday, Judge Phillip Loubser says that based on Magudumane’s submissions, he was not convinced that another court could arrive at a different conclusion.

NPA Free State Spokesperson, Phaladi Shuping states, “To be honest, we welcome the decision of the High Court. We hope now that this matter is over from NPA’s perspective. What we have to do now is to ensure that we work together with the investigating officers to ensure that we finalise the investigations as soon as possible so that we can start planning for the coming trial.”

VIDEO | Free State High Court dismisses Dr Magudumana’s application for leave to appeal: