Question NW1372 to the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services
17 May 2023 - NW1372
Engelbrecht, Mr J to ask the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services
(1)What precisely was done to investigate the very obvious crime of murder related to the escape of the convicted rapist, Mr Thabo Bester, in light of the ineluctable conclusion that the person found in Mr Thabo Bester’s cell had died before being set alight and that the specified person suffered blunt force trauma and did not exhibit smoke inhalation; (2) (a) on what exact date was the crime reported to the SA Police Service and (b) what are the details of the relevant case docket; (3) what progress has been made in the investigation, bearing in mind the seriousness of the situation and that it occurred over a year ago; (4) what are the reasons that his department did not divulge the full facts about the murder and the escape to the Portfolio Committee on Justice and Correctional Services and its subcommittee and the public at large?
Reply:
1. As per the Department of Correctional Services (DCS) Standard Operating Procedure (SOP), the scene was handed over to South African Police Services (SAPS) for investigation in relation to the fire that had occurred in the affected cell. It was based on the SAPS investigation by means of an autopsy that it was determined that the body found in the cell did not match that of offender Bester. The investigation also revealed that the individual suffered blunt force trauma and did not exhibit smoke inhalation. The matter is currently under investigation by the SAPS, therefore all further details in relation to the investigation should be directed to the SAPS.
(2)(a) The initial incident of fire which was purported to be a suicide was reported to SAPS on 03 May 2022.
(2)(b) The inquest case in relation to the purported suicide was recorded as CAS25/05/2022 by the SAPS.
(3) The case is currently under investigation by the SAPS of which this is the only institution which is able to provide progress in this regard.
(4) Facts about the escape were provided to the Portfolio Committee on Justice and Correctional Services on 13 April 2023, as conclusive information became available. No information was provided to the subcommittee as it forms part of the Portfolio Committee. Media briefings were held by the DCS on the following dates: 30 March 2023 and 13 April 2023, to ensure that the public is informed on the matter.
The facts relating to allegations of murder fall outside the scope of DCS and as such should be directed to SAPS.
END