Watches as Currency: Thabo Bester’s Unconventional Legal Twist Raises Eyebrows
The South African police force has categorically dismissed Thabo Bester’s astonishing claims of vanishing cash and valuables valued at R30 million.
These allegations, made by the convicted serial rapist and murderer, were vehemently refuted by General Fannie Masemola, the national police commissioner as he highlighted that he used watches to pay his lawyer instead.
Thabo Bester’s statements were presented during his recent appearance at the Bloemfontein Magistrate Court alongside his ten co-accused. This marked Bester’s first physical presence in court since his deportation from Tanzania in April.
A Discrepancy in Accounts and a Singular Detail
Amidst the ongoing legal proceedings, a stark contrast in narratives has emerged. Bester maintains that items and luxury goods worth R30 million vanished during his arrest in Tanzania.
General Masemola, on the other hand, unequivocally asserts that the South African Police Service (SAPS) is in possession of only Thabo Bester’s two cell phones and a laptop. These items were confiscated at Lanseria Airport in Gauteng upon Bester’s return to the country. This action was taken in collaboration with the Department of Home Affairs. Masemola reinforced this assertion during a recent police operation in Johannesburg’s Central Business District, where illicit cigarettes and counterfeit items were seized, Masemola reiterated the limited scope of the confiscated belongings.
Masemola, addressing the situation, said,
“On arrival at Lanseria Airport, police confiscated two cellphones and a laptop. That’s what we know and what we are aware of. That was the only property that was given to us by the Department of Home Affairs on Bester’s arrival at Lanseria.”
Unusual Method of Payment: Watches Instead of Money
Amidst the intrigue of this dispute, a striking revelation takes center stage: Thabo Bester paid a lawyer in Tanzania with watches.
“We don’t know how many, but we are aware that he paid a lawyer with watches. If he had cash on him, how would he then pay for a lawyer for consultation with watches instead of paying? We don’t know about the cash. Maybe he can go and ask in Tanzania,” Masemola stated.
The police commissioner underscored the significance of this unconventional mode of settling legal fees. Masemola suggested that Bester pursue inquiries with Tanzanian authorities regarding the fate of his remaining possessions, including the alleged cash. He emphasized the South African police’s limited awareness of any substantial sums.
