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Get ‘justice faster’: Thuli Madonsela advises Bereng family to ‘sue for millions’
Thabo Bester's faked death ignited calls for justice for 'body double' Katlego Bereng. Former public protector Thuli Madonsela has now spoken out.
Thabo Bester and Dr. Nandipha Magudumana. Photos: Twitter/Faizel Patel/The Citizen. Insert: Former public protector Thuli Madonsela. Photo: Gallo Images/Esa Alexander
As the shocking story of Thabo Bester continues to unfold, concerns are raised about corruption within South Africa’s prison system and the need for swift justice for the innocent victims caught in the crossfire – such as Katlego Bereng.
It was initially believed that convicted “Facebook rapist” and murderer Bester died in a cell fire while incarcerated.
However, further investigation revealed the charred body found in Cell 35 at Bloemfontein’s Mangaung Correctional Centre (MCC) was actually that of Bereng.
Thabo Bester latest: Body found to be that of Katlego Bereng
The revelation has sent shockwaves through South Africa and raised questions about the prison’s security measures and potential corruption. The maximum security prison is managed by global private security company G4S.
Weighing in the matter, former public protector Prof Thuli Madonsela expressed condolences to Bereng’s father, Batho Mpholo, and his family while urging them to take legal action.
Thuli Madonsela weighs in
Madonsela suggested the family sue G4S, Bester, and his accomplice, Dr Nandipha Magudumana, for millions, “as it would be a faster means to achieve justice with a lower burden of proof”.
“While there is a strong case for the theory that Thabo Bester was corruptly released and did not escape, there is adequate evidence to prove negligence which is sufficient for a delictual claim.”
“This does not mean abandoning criminal charges,” Madonsela tweeted on Monday.
The former public protector also insisted that pursuing civil proceedings should not mean abandoning criminal charges, as she called for Justice4KatlegoBereng.
READ: I get it, Dr Nandipha – I also fell in love with a killer
Paraffin in Bereng’s trachea
On Monday, The Citizen reported that Bereng’s autopsy report revealed he had paraffin in his trachea at the time of his death.
The report, as seen by The Citizen News, stated Bereng’s charred body also showed signs of “blunt force trauma to his head”.
On dissection of the larynx, a strong smell consistent with an accelerant (paraffin),” the autopsy revealed.
“A skull fracture and associated intracranial haemorrhage, complicated by pressure effects on the brain.”
NOW READ: Thabo Bester: Paraffin found in Katlego Bereng’s body autopsy reveals
