The state’s response to the mystery surrounding Facebook rapist Thabo Bester, who was said to have died in prison last year, has been far from convincing.
After allegations that a man with a striking resemblance to Bester was spotted in Johannesburg, the department of correctional services rehashed its statement issued last year.
The department would only confirm an incident of death in custody, at Mangaung Correctional Centre (MCC), following reports of a fire in a single cell allocated to Bester. It further reiterated that an investigation to determine the cause of death was still under way as per standard practice in cases of unnatural death in its facilities.
“It would be irresponsible to respond on unconfirmed or unofficial reports. What we have seen…relates to the information supplied by these unauthorised sources and the department is pressured to confirm or deny these reports. Let us reiterate that the investigation on the death of Thabo Bester has not been concluded and the autopsy report has not been tabled before the department,” said correctional services spokesperson Singabakho Nxumalo last Friday.
But the mystery deepened on Monday when police minister Bheki Cele said the DNA seemingly confirmed the charred body found in a Bloemfontein prison last year was not of Bester.
Nxumalo’s attempts to avoid answering questions on a matter of huge public interest that is at the heart of public safety deserve to be met with rage. This is because the cost of the state’s ineptitude in letting dangerous criminals out of prison has resulted in loss of lives.
There have been many such examples, including those who escaped from prisons as a result of corruption only to go on a raping and killing spree.
Bester, who was convicted and sentenced for various crimes he committed against the vulnerable including children, is no ordinary criminal. He preyed on his victims using Facebook and committed crimes in various provinces.
If indeed there is a claim that he is alive, roaming the streets and possibly targeting more victims, the least you expect from the state is nonchalance.
We don’t know yet if the man whose pictures were widely circulated on social media shopping is Bester, but the state hasn’t said anything assuring either.
We expect that every state resource will not be spared to get to the bottom of this and give assurance to the public that the government is in control of the situation.
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