‘Diabetic’ Bester petitions court for better prison food

The pre-trial hearing of convicted murderer and rapist Thabo Bester has been postponed to the 5th of June following his brief appearance in the Free State High Court.

Bester appeared alongside his seven co-accused, who face a range of criminal charges including arson and violation of a corpse, for aiding and abetting his brazen prison escape.

In a twist in the High Court, Bester, through his lawyer, told Judge Joseph Mahlambi that he was diabetic and the food provided to him by the Department of Correctional Services would cause a sugar spike.

His legal team have since asked the court to make an order that would ensure Bester received meals appropriate for his alleged medical condition.

They insist medical records would be furnished to the court to back Bester’s claims of diabetes.

Speaking with YNews at the back of court proceedings, Bester’s defence lawyer, Curt Salley, says his client is convinced that there’s a deliberate plot to control what the convicted rapist and murderer does.

However, the lawyer says he remains undeterred, adding that the defense team is set on ensuring that Bester receives the best possible treatment from behind his cell.

Bester’s allegations include that he’s been denied access to his legal representatives, and prevented from wearing his own clothes.

Salley says the magnitude of the case has left Bester vulnerable to sabotage.

The pre-trial hearing, probing Bester’s escape from his prison cell where he was serving a life sentence occurred, will return to the Free State High Court in June.