On Monday, four former South African prison employees were denied bail for aiding Thabo Bester’s escape from custody, while a fifth employee was granted R10,000 bail. Senohe Matsoara, Motenyani Masukela, Tieho Makhotsa and Teboho Lipholo were all denied bail due to their charges being classified as Schedule 5 offenses. In contrast, Nastassja Jansen was granted bail as her charges are classified as Schedule 1 offenses. It was revealed during the bail hearings that the accused were all involved in helping Bester escape. The criminal trial against all eight accused will begin on 20 June.
