Thabo Bester's new lawyers promise to stay on case as long as accused allows

Thabo Bester's new lawyers have promised the Free State High Court that they will stay on the case for as long as he wants them as legal representatives.

Bester fired his attorneys on Friday and has new lawyers on record.
These are the third lawyers that he has parted ways with since his re-arrest in 2023. 

READ: Magudumana’s bid for freedom in ConCourt stalls main trial involving Bester

Bester, his alleged accomplice Dr Nandipha Magudumana and seven others returned to the high court for their main escape case.

During proceedings, Judge Lani Opperman pointed out the delays in the case.

But Bester's new lawyer, advocate Mo-Afrika Wa Maila, insists the delays are not caused by the legal teams.

"We don't just withdraw, my lady; we get terminated, and we can't force ourselves to be in court when we are terminated. I hope Mr Bester will bear with me to represent him till the end, but should he terminate me, I can't force to be in this court."