Bester, Magudumana Trial to Resume as south Africa Faces Vehicle Recall, Murder sentencing
JOHANNESBURG – The main trial for convicted rapist adn murderer Thabo Bester and his accomplice, Nandipha Magudumana, is set to return to court today, September 19, 2025, as South Africa also grapples with a Mercedes-Benz vehicle recall and awaits sentencing in a high-profile murder case. Bester and Magudumana face charges related to Bester’s escape from Mangaung Prison in May 2022,a case that captivated the nation.
Bester, Magudumana, and several co-accused, including prison officials, will learn if the trial is ready to proceed. The pair were arrested in Tanzania in April 2023 and returned to South Africa over two years ago, yet the trial has been delayed. The court will also address Magudumana’s Constitutional Court challenge to her deportation.
In a separate development, the National Consumer Commission (NCC) announced the recall of over 100 Mercedes-Benz vehicles due to safety concerns.Affected models include the 4 EQE-295 and 98 GLC-254, with the NCC stating the steering wheels do not meet required specifications. NCC spokesperson Phetho ntaba urged affected consumers to contact their nearest Mercedes-benz dealership.
Simultaneously occurring, the High Court in Johannesburg is expected to sentence businessman Sibusiso Zitha for the murder of pastry chef Thembekile Letlape. Zitha was convicted in July of brutally stabbing Letlape multiple times in their Fourways home in May of last year, in front of his 10-year-old daughter. during mitigation, Zitha expressed remorse, stating he was a “broken man” overwhelmed by personal problems and asked Letlape’s family for forgiveness. The defence has requested a 10-15-year sentence, while the state seeks life imprisonment. Dr. Kgosi Letlape stated the family remains devastated.
