The company's cash reward offer came just hours after the department gave an update on the “embarrassing” saga.
Correctional services national commissioner Makgothi Samuel Thobakgale said a track and tracing team has been established to find Bester.
“We remain confident we will arrest the fugitive and bring him to justice. No stone will be left unturned in getting to the bottom of this incident,” he said.
Police have confirmed “detectives from the family violence, child protection and sexual offences and the organised crime investigations units in the Free State and Gauteng have been working together” to investigate the saga.
“A case of murder is under investigation after the DNA analysis confirmed the body ... found [in the cell] was not that of Bester. A case of escape from lawful custody was also registered on confirmation by DCS,” police said.
Security firm offers R100K cash reward to help find fugitive Thabo Bester
Image: Shelley Christians
Fidelity Services Group has offered a R100,000 reward for the “arrest and conviction” of escaped rapist and murderer Thabo Bester.
Bester made a daring and “first of its kind” escape from the Mangaung Correctional Centre on May 3 2022, the correctional services department confirmed after it was initially believed he had committed suicide by setting himself alight in his cell.
“Help us bring this criminal to book. We are offering R100,000 to anyone who can provide us with information that leads to the successful arrest and conviction of Bester, otherwise known as the 'Facebook rapist',” the group said in a brief post shared on social media.
The company's cash reward offer came just hours after the department gave an update on the “embarrassing” saga.
Correctional services national commissioner Makgothi Samuel Thobakgale said a track and tracing team has been established to find Bester.
“We remain confident we will arrest the fugitive and bring him to justice. No stone will be left unturned in getting to the bottom of this incident,” he said.
Police have confirmed “detectives from the family violence, child protection and sexual offences and the organised crime investigations units in the Free State and Gauteng have been working together” to investigate the saga.
“A case of murder is under investigation after the DNA analysis confirmed the body ... found [in the cell] was not that of Bester. A case of escape from lawful custody was also registered on confirmation by DCS,” police said.
LISTEN | Almost victim of Thabo Bester recalls how fate spared her
TimesLIVE
Body to replace Thabo Bester taken to prison in private vehicle
Temporary manager appointed at Mangaung prison after Thabo Bester escape
Manager who lost control of Mangaung prison unveiled
Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Trending
Related articles
Latest Videos