The Correctional Services Department says it has requested the team probing the alleged death of convicted rapist and murderer Thabo Bester, to speed up their investigations.

Bester was dubbed the Facebook rapist, as he used the social media platform to lure his victims. He offered them modelling contracts before he raped them.

Spotted shopping

In May last year, the Department released a statement saying that Bester had been found dead after a fire broke out in his single cell at the Mangaung Correctional Centre in Bloemfontein.

Bester made headlines again recently, after he was spotted shopping in Sandton City and this went viral on social media.

Issued a statement that allegations from social media suggesting that Bester is alive are being investigated. Social suggest that Thabo Bester has grown his hair and beard and was recently spotted in Sandton JHB with Dr Nandi. pic.twitter.com/DyB7DXZ3sh

— CrimeInSA (@sa_crime) March 18, 2023

“Facebook serial rapist Thabo Bester is alive” this is according to people who have had encounters with him recently. In May 3, 2022, the Department of Correctional Services issued a statement saying that Bester was found dead in his cell at the Mangaung Correctional Centre in – pic.twitter.com/RP12FEOlQZ

— CrimeInSA (@sa_crime) March 18, 2023

The Department’s spokesperson, Singabhako Nxumalo explains, “What we have seen in the past two days relates to the information from unauthorised sources and the department is pressured to deny or confirm these reports. We want to retaliate the fact that the investigation into the death of Thabo bester has not been concluded and the autopsy report has not been tabled before the Department. The matter has become the subject of public interest and the department is pressing on the investigating team to conclude its work so that the findings can be made available.”

[Statement] The @Min_JCS has noted media reports on allegations regarding the death of inmate Thabo Bester in custody.
The investigation has not been concluded and the autopsy report has not been tabled before the Department. pic.twitter.com/zO9KkVrjQy

— South African Government (@GovernmentZA) March 17, 2023

Search for Bester continues

Meanwhile, Police Minister, Bheki Cele says officers have intensified their search for Bester.

Cele has confirmed that DNA from the burnt body that was believed to be that of Bester, has proved to the contrary. He says that officers are working around the clock in their search for Bester.

“The general, the head of intelligence in the province and his detectives are working on the matter and already they are finding some indication including that the DNA does not confirm that that’s the same person. So it might be correct to say that somebody is out there. That’s why the police are investigating and they have already unleashed themselves to try and find that person.”