Correctional Services Dismisses Thabo Bester’s Claims

The Department of Correctional Services (DCS) has dismissed claims made by former senior official Thabo Bester, who alleged widespread corruption and mismanagement within the department. In a statement released on Monday, DCS spokesperson Singabakho Nxumalo said the department had conducted a thorough investigation into Bester’s allegations and found them to be baseless. “The investigation has concluded that Mr. Bester’s claims are unfounded and without merit,” Nxumalo said. Bester, who resigned from DCS in February, had accused senior officials of corruption, nepotism, and abuse of power. He claimed that inmates were being mistreated and that millions of rands were being stolen through irregular contracts. The DCS investigation, however, found no evidence to support Bester’s allegations. “The department conducted interviews with all relevant parties and reviewed all available documentation,” Nxumalo said. “We found no evidence of corruption, nepotism, or abuse of power.” The DCS also dismissed Bester’s claims that inmates were being mistreated. “The department adheres to a strict code of conduct and takes all allegations of abuse of inmates seriously,” Nxumalo said. “We have found no evidence to support Mr. Bester’s claims of mistreatment.” Bester has defended his allegations, claiming that DCS has covered up the corruption and mismanagement. He has vowed to continue fighting for accountability. The DCS has warned Bester against making further baseless allegations. “The department will not tolerate the spreading of false information that could damage its reputation or undermine its authority,” Nxumalo said. The DCS investigation into Bester’s claims is now closed. The department has urged the public to be cautious of unsubstantiated allegations and to rely on official sources for accurate information.Convicted murderer and rapist Thabo Bester has made claims of mistreatment in prison. Bester gave an emotional speech in the Free State High Court last week, complaining of unfair treatment. However, the Department of Correctional Services has denied these claims, dismissing them as a “sideshow” and insisting that Bester is being treated in accordance with his status as a high-risk prisoner.Convicted murderer and rapist Thabo Bester has made claims of mistreatment in prison. Bester gave an emotional speech in the Free State High Court last week, complaining of unfair treatment. However, the Department of Correctional Services has denied these claims, dismissing them as a “sideshow” and insisting that Bester is being treated in accordance with his status as a high-risk prisoner. Bester is currently facing a series of charges related to his elaborate prison escape, along with eight other co-defendants. eNCA senior reporter Silindelo Masikane reports on the ongoing situation.Correctional Services dismisses Thabo Bester claims The Department of Correctional Services (DCS) has dismissed claims made by former inmate Thabo Bester that he was subjected to torture and abuse while in custody. In a statement, DCS spokesperson Singabakho Nxumalo said the allegations were “baseless and unsubstantiated”. “We have conducted a thorough investigation into these claims and found no evidence to support them,” Nxumalo said. Bester, who was released from prison in 2018, has alleged that he was tortured by prison guards while serving a sentence for murder. He claimed that he was beaten, burned, and subjected to electric shocks. DCS has denied these claims, saying that Bester’s injuries were the result of self-harm. “We have medical records that show that Bester’s injuries were consistent with self-inflicted wounds,” Nxumalo said. Bester has also alleged that he was denied access to medical care while in prison. DCS has denied this claim, saying that Bester was seen by a doctor on a regular basis. “We have records that show that Bester was seen by a doctor on multiple occasions while in custody,” Nxumalo said. Bester’s claims have been met with skepticism by some, who have questioned why he would have waited until after his release from prison to make them. Others have suggested that Bester’s claims may be an attempt to discredit the DCS. DCS has said that it will continue to investigate Bester’s claims, but that it is confident that its findings will exonerate the department.