So painful|| see what a man who helped Bester to escape from prison said
Former G4S employee Teboho Lipholo was recently arrested for allegedly aiding Thabo Bester to escape from Mangaung Correctional Centre (MCC) in Bloemfontein. Prior to his arrest, Lipholo had reportedly made several calls to law enforcement expressing fear that his colleagues would harm him.
These revelations were shared by Lt-Col Tieho Jobo of the Free State Organised Crime unit during the bond hearing of the accused individuals. Jobo was cross-examined by the state prosecutor Sello Matlhoko, as the accused – Senohe Matsoara, Lipholo, Motenyani Masukela, Tieho Makhotsa and Nastassja Jansen – applied for bail.
Lipholo, who worked at the prison as a technician responsible for monitoring cameras and electrical doors, is alleged to have played a role in the malfunction of the cameras on the night of Bester’s escape.
The state is of the opinion that Lipholo was complicit in the escape plan, and that he had been communicating with Bester and other individuals involved in the escape.
According to Jobo, Lipholo had expressed concern to law enforcement about his safety prior to the arrest. The reason for his fear was that he believed that his colleagues at the prison would harm him if they found out about his involvement in the escape plan. The fact that Lipholo had made these calls suggests that he may have been coerced or threatened into participating in the plan.
The escape of Thabo Bester from the Mangaung Correctional Centre in 2022 was a major embarrassment for the South African authorities. Bester, who was a convicted murderer and gang leader, managed to escape by exploiting a weakness in the prison’s security systems. The incident raised questions about the effectiveness of South Africa’s correctional facilities and the safety of its citizens.
The arrest of Lipholo and the other accused individuals was seen as a significant breakthrough in the investigation into the escape. The state is expected to present a strong case against the accused individuals, who are facing serious charges related to aiding and abetting the escape of a convicted criminal.
The case has also highlighted the need for better security measures and staff training in South African correctional facilities. There have been several reports of prison staff being involved in criminal activities, including drug trafficking and bribery. This has raised concerns about the integrity of the prison system and the safety of prisoners and staff.
The South African government has promised to address these issues and improve the conditions in its correctional facilities. However, much work still needs to be done to ensure that prisons are safe and secure places for both inmates and staff.
In conclusion, the arrest of Teboho Lipholo and the other accused individuals is a significant development in the investigation into the escape of Thabo Bester from the Mangaung Correctional Centre.
The case has highlighted the need for better security measures and staff training in South African correctional facilities, as well as the need to address issues of corruption and criminal activity among prison staff. It remains to be seen how the case will unfold, but it is clear that the South African government must take decisive action to address these challenges and ensure the safety and security of its citizens.
