The state has withdrawn charges against Motanyane John Masukela (53), a former G4S prison employee implicated in the audacious escape of convicted murderer and rapist Thabo Bester. This development occurred during a court session held on Tuesday, 17 June, at the Bloemfontein High Court, where Masukela was positioned as accused number five among a high-profile group of individuals entangled in this sensational case.
During the proceedings, state prosecutor Advocate Amanda Bester addressed the court with a surprising announcement: “I am going to withdraw the case against one of the accused. We can excuse him, and he can go in peace, and that is against accused number five.” This momentous decision was made without providing further clarification, and both the defence and prosecution remained silent in their response. This lack of explanation has left many wondering whether Masukela has become a state witness or if new evidence has emerged to clear him of wrongdoing.
Previously, Masukela was identified among those accused in a notorious 2022 prison break that saw Thabo Bester, infamously dubbed the “Facebook rapist,” escape from the Mangaung Correctional Centre by orchestrating an elaborate ruse that involved faking his own death in a staged cell fire. The Department of Correctional Services has characterised the escape as “elaborately planned and well executed,” underlining the gravity of the ongoing investigation.
The legal saga, which has captivated the nation, is set to resume on 19 September. Despite the withdrawal of charges against Masukela, the remaining accused—including Bester, his partner and former doctor Nandipha Magudumana, her father Cornelius Sekeleni, and two other G4S employees, Senohe Matsoara and Teboho Lipholo—still face a plethora of serious charges ranging from fraud and corruption to aiding and abetting a dangerous escape from lawful custody.
The widespread public interest in this case shows no signs of waning. The spectacular twists in the plot, the alleged corruption within a private prison system, and the downfall of Magudumana—a figure who once held a reputable position as a medical professional now turned fugitive—continue to spark conversations and intrigue across the country. As further developments unfold, the implications of this case could be far-reaching, raising questions about accountability and safety within correctional facilities.