Court withdraws charges against John Masukela in Thabo Bester escape case

One walks free: charges withdrawn against G4S officer in Thabo Bester escape case

Charges against former G4S employee Motanyane John Masukela, who was on duty when prisoner Thabo Bester allegedly faked his death to escape from the Mangaung correctional facility, have been withdrawn.

Court withdraws charges against John Masukela in Thabo Bester escape case

Court confirms trial date for Thabo Bester

After more than two years since South Africa’s most talked-about prison escape, the high-stakes trial linked to convicted killer and rapist Thabo Bester’s dramatic breakout is finally heading to court. The trial is scheduled to begin on 10 November 2025 in the Bloemfontein High Court, with Bester and eight co-accused expected to answer to a string of explosive charges tied to the 2022 escape from Mangaung Correctional Centre, a private prison op…