Thabo Bester saga referenced in KwaMsane bail hearing

A correctional officer testifying for the defence in the bail application of a suspect arrested in connection with the 2022 murder of an EFF councillor in uMkhanyakude was on Tuesday grilled on the witness stand at KwaMsane Magistrate’s Court as the Thabo Bester saga was referenced.

During cross-examination by the defence Advocate Scelo Zungu, Thomas Bhekinkosi Gumbi told the court he was of the opinion that the suspect (43), a taxi owner who was arrested on 9 March for the murder of Councillor Mxolisi Buthelezi while out on parole for a previous conviction, should be granted bail.

Gumbi, the court heard, was the bail applicant’s supervisor while he was out on parole and living in eSikhaleni where, the witness told the court, he was arrested at the local police station on the day he was reporting to him in line with one of his parole conditions.

Gumbi said he was of the view that bail should be granted because the applicant had not given him any problems since his release in 2021.

State prosecutor Advocate Lawrence Gcaba questioned Gumbi whether he maintained this opinion in light of the ‘Thabo Bester embarrassment to the Department of Correctional Services’.

The presiding officer, Magistrate AM Mthethwa also questioned Gumbi whether he believes there was corruption involving some correctional service officials in the Thabo Bester saga and whether the bail applicant should be granted bail despite the fact that he faces five charges, including the illegal possession of a firearm, which Mthethwa said was an R5 rifle.

“My opinion is that there was corruption in the Thabo Bester saga. I do not think he should be granted bail. I was not aware of the charges he faces, my initial opinion was based on his behaviour as a parolee and I as his supervisor,” said Gumbi.

Mthethwa’s retort was to question Gumbi why he had given the initial opinion when he was not ‘fully versed’ about the case.

The bail applicant faces five counts, namely, murder, attempted murder, conspiracy to murder, illegal possession of a firearm and the illegal possession of ammunition.

The bail application resumes on 29 May.

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