Convicted murderer and rapist Thabo Bester has filed another court application seeking relaxed prison conditions.
In papers submitted to the Johannesburg High Court, Bester argues that his classification as a sentenced prisoner is unconstitutional and wants to be treated under more humane conditions, similar to inmates awaiting trial.
He is demanding contact visits with his family and legal representatives, claiming that both the Department of Correctional Services (DCS) and the National Prosecuting Authority have violated his rights, City Press reported.
“I respectfully submit that the department, together with the National Prosecuting Authority, never respected my rights as an accused person by law in terms of the charges being levelled against me and for which I was arrested,” the court papers read.
According to The Citizen, this is not his first attempt — Bester previously challenged his treatment at the Kgosi Mampuru II C-Max Prison, where he alleged inhumane conditions, including 23-hour solitary confinement and limited access to natural light.
The DCS has repeatedly rejected his claims, stating that Bester’s treatment is consistent with that of a maximum-security inmate, who is entitled to one hour of exercise, a shower, and legal consultations daily.
Compiled by Betha Madhomu
First published on African Insider
Also see: Notorious Thabo Bester story retold in 3-part Netflix documentary
