Trial for Bester's former lawyer set to continue

The matter of the lawyer who withdrew from representing convicted rapist and murderer Thabo Bester has been rolled over for trial on Tuesday.

Thabo Bester has also asked the court to declare that the contents of the documentary violated his constitutional rights to be presumed innocent until proven guilty, to a fair trial and to dignity.
Thabo Bester has also asked the court to declare that the contents of the documentary violated his constitutional rights to be presumed innocent until proven guilty, to a fair trial and to dignity. (Thapelo Morebudi)

The matter of the lawyer who withdrew from representing convicted rapist and murderer Thabo Bester has been rolled over for trial on Tuesday.

Advocate Jeremiah Pela is accused of offering to accept a benefit and attempted extortion in relation to a security tender at a TVET college in the Free State in 2017. 

Pela and instructing attorney Tsireledzo Ndou asked to be recused when the case against Bester and eight other co-accused resumed in the Bloemfontein magistrate’s court last week. 

National Prosecuting Authority  spokesperson Phaladi Shuping said the trial will continue in the Bloemfontein magistrate’s court.

Ndou is facing charges of attempted rape and assault. He was charged earlier this year and is out on R1,000 bail.

The trial was set for June 26 to 30.

TimesLIVE

Support independent journalism by subscribing to the Sunday Times. Just R20 for the first month.