Bester and Matlala moved to KZN supermax for security, says DCS

National Commissioner of Correctional Services Makgothi Thobakgale has defended the transfer of Thabo Bester and Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala to eBongweni Super Maximum Correctional Facility in Kokstad, KwaZulu-Natal, saying the moves were made for “good reasons” related to their safety.

Thobakgale made the comments while briefing the media on Monday, providing updates on festive season security operations and ongoing investigations into security incidents in the Western Cape.

The Department of Correctional Services (DCS) on Friday said that Bester had been transferred from Kgosi Mampuru Prison in Pretoria to eBongweni in Kokstad. 

Matlala, who is facing multiple murder charges, is also being held at the facility.

“Offender transfers are routine and guided by established security risk assessments to ensure the safety, security, and stability of correctional facilities and the broader criminal justice system,” the DCS said.

“The offender will continue to receive appropriate care in line with applicable legislative and policy prescripts and will retain full access to legal representation, family communication, and court processes. All necessary logistical arrangements remain in place to ensure court appearances and legal proceedings proceed without disruption,” the department added.

Thobakgale explained that the transfers were informed by regular risk assessments conducted for all inmates.

“We assess threats that have to do with the system and threats associated with each inmate. This analysis becomes part of a security plan that each correctional facility develops daily,” he said.

Bester, who is a convicted killer and rapist, escaped from Mangaung Correctional Facility in May 2022 with the alleged assistance of Dr Nandipha Magudumana, was brought back to South Africa in April 2023 to face charges. 

Since his return, Magudumana has been contesting her repatriation through legal channels.

During court appearances in December 2025, Bester requested access to documents from the Presidency and Crime Intelligence, as well as cellphone records of International Relations Minister Ronald Lamola, to prepare his defence. 

He has also applied to the Pretoria High Court for funding to support his legal representation.

Bester and co-accused, including Magudumana, Senohe Matsoara, Zolile Sekeleni, Teboho Liphoko, Buti Masukela, Tieho Makhotsa, Zanda Moyo, and Joel Makhetha - face charges of fraud, corruption, assisting an inmate to escape, violation of a body, arson, and defeating the ends of justice. 

Their matter is scheduled for the Bloemfontein High Court in March 2026.

Thobakgale did not provide further details regarding the security measures involved in the transfers.

“It is with good reason for the safety of both inmates, and to ensure that the safety and security of the correctional system is not undermined by any activity associated with these inmates,” he said.

He added that transfers are conducted daily. 

“For example, yesterday an inmate was transferred from the Eastern Cape to eBongweni after being reclassified from medium to high security because of criminal activities linked to the inmate. To prevent further crime, including threats associated with inmates, we must act promptly.”

Thobakgale also confirmed that the department is engaging with Matlala’s lawyers, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), and the courts to ensure he attends court hearings.

“Matlala was in court last week. He appeared on time, consulted with his lawyers, and the primary objective is to ensure he remains available for court proceedings.”

“If we do not exercise our responsibilities as a security department, there could be consequences. That is why we implement these security measures,” he said.

Matlala, 49, was transferred from Kgosi Mampuru to eBongweni in December 2025 as part of heightened security measures for high-risk inmates. 

Authorities confirmed the facility can house dangerous and high-profile prisoners but declined to provide further details.

Concerns about Matlala’s detention were raised during his first pre-trial appearance at the Johannesburg High Court last week on Thursday, alongside four co-accused, including his wife, Tsakani Matlala.

His lawyer, Anneline van den Heever, said accessing her client at eBongweni, located in Kokstad, had become “a nightmare,” severely hampering trial preparation. 

She described the facility as confining inmates to their cells for 23 hours a day, with only one hour for exercise.

“When you eventually consult, he sits behind thick glass where you can barely hear each other, with people around listening,” she said.

She alleged that consultations were monitored.

Van Den Heever added that scheduled consultations were repeatedly blocked, sometimes due to confusion over legal representation.

She argued that these restrictions threatened Matlala’s right to a fair trial and said the defence would seek a preferential trial date once pre-trial issues were resolved.

Senior state prosecutor Elize Le Roux said the decision to transfer Matlala was taken solely by the DCS, not the prosecution.

Matlala faces 11 counts of attempted murder, linked to the 2023 shooting of actress and socialite Tebogo Thobejane on the N1 highway near Sandton, as well as other attempted murders targeting high-profile figures. 

He is on trial alongside Musa Kekana, Tiego Floyd Mabusela, Tsakani Matlala, and Mabusela’s daughter, Nthabiseng Nzama.

Nzama faces a charge of money laundering, with the State alleging she facilitated the transfer of funds derived from criminal activity. 

The prosecution has consolidated three cases against Matlala, including the attempted murder of taxi owner Joe Sibanyoni in 2022, the shooting of Thobejane in 2023, and a failed hit on DJ Seunkie Mokubung, also known as DJ Vettys, in 2024.

Judge William Karam postponed the matter to February 6, to allow counsel to consult on efforts to have Matlala transferred to a correctional facility in Gauteng, closer to the court.

Meanwhile, Thobakgale added that discussions with Matlala’s lawyers and the NPA are ongoing, with the department prepared to make representations to the courts if necessary.

Tsakani Matlala and Nzama remain out on bail of R20,000 and R10,000 respectively, while Kekana, Mabusela, and Matlala remain in custody.

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