In a surprising development, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) withdrew all charges against Motanyane John Masukela, a former G4S employee implicated in the notorious 2022 escape of convicted murderer and rapist Thabo Bester from Mangaung Correctional Centre. The decision was announced during a pretrial hearing on June 17, 2025, in the Bloemfontein High Court.
State Prosecutor Amanda Bester informed the court that the case against “accused number five, John Masukela,” would be withdrawn, effectively ending his involvement in the proceedings. No reasons were provided for this unexpected move, leaving many questions about the NPA’s rationale.
Masukela was among several suspects charged in connection with the elaborate prison break that stunned South Africa. Meanwhile, Thabo Bester, together with co-accused including Nandipha Magudumana, continues to face serious charges such as fraud, corruption, and violating a corpse.
The case remains a focal point of national attention due to the brazen nature of the escape and Bester’s criminal past. The accused are scheduled to return to court on September 19, 2025, after another postponement.
