In a surprising turn of events, former G4S guard Senohe Matsoara, CCTV operator Tebogo Lipholo, and control room operator Tieho Makhotsa have been granted bail of R10000 in the Thabo Bester Prison Escape Case.
Judge Mhlambi, citing no flight risk or threat to witnesses, allowed them to walk free pending their appeal.
“ In light of the above, I am of the view that the appellants are not a flight risk. I find that there is neither a likelihood that they will influence or intimidate witnesses nor undermine the criminal justice system if they were to be released on bail.
The imposition of appropriate bail conditions will, in my view limit any risk that they may not stand their trial. The appeal should succeed and all the three appellants must be granted bail with appropriate conditions.”
The appellants’ release is subject to the following:
- 1 The appellants must appear in the Bloemfontein magistrate’s court on each and every date to which their trial has been remanded
- 2 The appellants shall report to the Kagisanong Police Station on
Mondays between the hours of 06h00 in the morning and 18h00 in the afternoon; - 3 The appellants shall not directly or indirectly have contact with any state witnesses;
- 4 The appellants shall not leave the area of Bloemfontein without the written permission of the investigating officer;
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