Thabo Bester has criticized the conditions at Kgosi Mampuru II prison, where he is currently held. He has launched a legal challenge against what he describes as the inhumane conditions at the C-Max facility.
Bester, through his legal representatives, has expressed concerns about violations of human dignity and unlawful detention practices. He stated, “I am not only fighting for my right to a fair trial but also for the basic human dignity that every detainee deserves. The current conditions at C-Max hinder my ability to defend myself properly and strip me of my dignity. This challenge is for everyone who endures similar inhumane conditions.”
Facing charges related to his escape from Mangaung Correctional Centre in May 2022, Bester had previously requested the court to impose the death penalty on him.
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Bester’s lawyers reported that he is in solitary confinement for 23 hours a day in a cell with a small window. They highlighted the severe impact this isolation could have on his mental health and well-being, arguing that it breaches his constitutional right to human dignity and undermines the fairness of the judicial process.
The legal team also claimed that Bester’s right to a fair trial is being compromised by his lack of access to his legal team due to the restrictive conditions at C-Max.
They urged authorities to address these issues, emphasizing that when the law fails to protect individual dignity and rights, it loses its moral authority. They called for reforms to ensure justice and a fair trial for Bester.
The Department of Correctional Services has been contacted for a response.