Thabo Bester Moved To KZN Super Max As Cat Matlala Held Under Tight Security

The Department of Correctional Services (DCS) has confirmed that convicted killer and rapist Thabo Bester has been moved from Kgosi Mampuru Prison in Pretoria to the eBongweni Super Maximum Correctional Facility in KwaZulu-Natal.

DCS spokesperson Singabakho Nxumalo said the transfer formed part of routine operational processes guided by security risk assessments.

“The Department of Correctional Services (DCS) confirms the transfer of offender Thabo Bester to eBongweni Super Maximum Correctional Facility,” Nxumalo said.

He stressed that such transfers are aimed at maintaining safety and stability within correctional centres and the wider criminal justice system.

“The offender will continue to receive appropriate care in line with applicable legislative and policy prescripts and will retain full access to legal representation, family communication, and court processes,” Nxumalo added.

According to DCS, logistical arrangements remain in place to ensure Bester’s court appearances and legal proceedings continue without interruption.

Thabo Bester case: escape, extradition and pending trial

Bester escaped from Mangaung Correctional Facility in May 2022, allegedly with the assistance of his then partner, Dr Nandipha Magudumana. He was rearrested and returned to South Africa in April 2023, where he now faces multiple charges.

Since his return, Magudumana has been challenging her repatriation through the courts.

During court appearances in December last year, Bester requested access to documents from the Presidency and Crime Intelligence, as well as cellphone records belonging to International Relations Minister Ronald Lamola, to prepare his defence. He has also applied to the Pretoria High Court for state funding to support his legal team.

Bester and his co-accused — Magudumana, Senohe Matsoara, Zolile Sekeleni, Teboho Liphoko, Buti Masukela, Tieho Makhotsa, Zanda Moyo and Joel Makhetha — face charges including fraud, corruption, assisting an inmate to escape, violation of a body, arson and defeating the ends of justice.

The matter is scheduled to be heard in the Bloemfontein High Court in March 2026.

Cat Matlala detention sparks fair trial concerns

Murder-accused businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala is also being held at eBongweni Super Maximum Correctional Facility. He was transferred there in December 2025 as part of enhanced security measures for high-risk inmates.

Authorities have confirmed the prison is equipped to house dangerous and high-profile detainees, but declined to disclose further details.

Concerns about Matlala’s detention were raised during his first pre-trial appearance in the Johannesburg High Court on Thursday. His lawyer, Anneline van den Heever, described accessing her client at the Kokstad-based facility as “a nightmare”.

She told the court that inmates are confined to their cells for 23 hours a day, with only one hour for exercise, and said consultations take place behind thick glass.

“When you eventually consult, he sits behind thick glass where you can barely hear each other, with people around listening,” van den Heever said, alleging that legal consultations were monitored or recorded.

She also claimed scheduled meetings were repeatedly blocked, including one cancelled after an instruction from the area commissioner, arguing this undermined Matlala’s right to a fair trial.

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Senior state prosecutor Elize Le Roux said the decision to transfer Matlala was made by DCS and not the prosecution.

Matlala faces 11 counts of attempted murder, including charges linked to the 2023 shooting of actress and socialite Tebogo Thobejane on the N1 near Sandton. He is standing trial alongside Musa Kekana, Tiego Floyd Mabusela, his wife Tsakani Matlala, and Mabusela’s daughter, Nthabiseng Nzama.

The State has consolidated three cases against Matlala, including the attempted murder of taxi owner Joe Sibanyoni in 2022, the shooting of Thobejane in 2023, and a failed hit on DJ Seunkie Mokubung, known as DJ Vettys, in 2024.

Judge William Karam postponed the matter to 6 February to allow consultations on efforts to have Matlala moved to a Gauteng facility closer to the court. Tsakani Matlala and Nzama remain out on bail, while Matlala and his male co-accused remain in custody.