# Convicted murderer Thabo Bester’s lawyer, Lerato Moela, has withdrawn from the ongoing pre-trial hearing at the Free State High Court. Advocate MoAfrica Wa Maila has taken over the case. Bester, his girlfriend Nandipha Magudumana, and co-accused, including former Mangaung Correctional Services staff, face charges of aiding escape, fraud, money laundering, arson, and violating a corpse. Magudumana’s extradition case at the Constitutional Court has stalled proceedings, with her lawyers requesting the trial be postponed to 5 December.
Thabo Bester’s lawyer withdraws, new counsel appointed