Fashion Fiasco: Prison Officers in Hot Water For Allowing Thabo Bester To Wear Expensive Sweater in Court
In an unexpected twist, prison officers are facing consequences for letting Thabo Bester don a pricey designer luxury sweater during his recent court appearance.
Makgoth Samuel Thobakgale, the Correctional Services Commissioner, revealed that a group of undisclosed officials will be dealt with for allowing convicted murderer Thabo Bester to wear a high-end white Louis Vuitton sweater valued at around R15 000 to court last week.
Disciplinary Measures Unleashed As Thabo Bester Wears Expensive Sweater in Court
Thobakgale pointed out that while individuals on trial are permitted to wear their own clothes in court, they should do so with respect for the judicial process.
Speaking in an interview with eNCA’s Dr JJ Tabane on Monday night, Thobakgale expressed that the way people dress can undermine the credibility of the criminal justice system, and this issue needs to be addressed. He explained that he had cautioned Thabo Bester against displaying luxury brands in court, and the same advice had been communicated to the responsible officials.
‘’I warned him (Bester) to respect the court, and those officials on duty were warned too, but Bester wore his sweater in court. I told him to respect the court. Those officials are facing disciplinary action,’’ Thobakgale revealed.
To make matters worse, Bester’s girlfriend, Nandipha Magudumana, was spotted wearing a fresh white Nike sweater.
Fashion Choices Seen as Arrogant and Disrespectful
Each time the pair appeared in court, they garnered attention for their extravagant fashion choices. Many individuals criticized their flaunting of wealth, viewing it as arrogance and a lack of remorse towards the victims’ families, including that of Katlego Bereng.
Katlego Bereng’s burned remains were discovered in Bester’s cell 35. Despite the family’s continued attendance at court proceedings, justice remains their goal for the deceased, who left behind two young children.
After escaping from the Mangaung Correctional Facility managed by G4S security, Bester and his girlfriend were apprehended and repatriated to South Africa after fleeing the country.
