Convicted murderer and rapist Thabo Bester has launched a new legal challenge in the Johannesburg High Court, demanding that his prison conditions be made more “humane.” Bester argues that his classification as a sentenced inmate is “unconstitutional” and denies him rights guaranteed under South Africa’s Constitution.
In his application, Bester claims his current treatment violates his human rights and that he should receive privileges similar to those afforded to inmates awaiting trial. The case adds to a growing list of legal disputes between Bester and the Department of Correctional Services (DCS), which he accuses—along with the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA)—of disregarding his rights.
“I respectfully submit that the department, together with the National Prosecuting Authority, never respected my rights as an accused person by law,” Bester stated in his affidavit, as reported by City Press.
Among his demands, Bester seeks contact visits with his family and legal representatives—benefits generally restricted for inmates under maximum-security classification. He claims that the DCS’s restrictions unfairly deny him proper legal access and humane treatment.
Previous Complaints About Prison Conditions
This is not the first time Bester has challenged the terms of his incarceration. He has previously accused the DCS of subjecting him to “inhumane conditions” at Kgosi Mampuru II C-Max Prison, including 23-hour solitary confinement, limited sunlight exposure, and restricted access to his lawyers and family. In those instances, he argued that such conditions breached his constitutional right to dignity and fair treatment.
DCS Responds
The Department of Correctional Services has rejected Bester’s latest claims, maintaining that he receives all privileges appropriate for a maximum-security prisoner. According to the DCS, Bester is entitled to one hour of daily exercise, a shower, and regular legal consultations, which align with standard correctional procedures for inmates classified as high-risk.
Bester’s ongoing legal maneuvers continue to attract public scrutiny, following his dramatic 2022 prison escape and subsequent recapture in Tanzania, which sparked nationwide debate over corruption and security lapses in South Africa’s correctional system.
