Correctional Services commissioner Makgothi Thobakgale says the move followed safety and security risk assessments and forms part of routine inmate transfers.
However, Bester argues that the distance hinders access to his legal team.
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Speaking at a media briefing on Monday, Thobakgale said Bester was transferred for the safety of staff and other inmates.
Thobakgale explained that risk assessments showed that Bester, along with fellow inmate Vusimuzi ‘Cat’ Matlala, posed serious threats at their previous facilities.
Bester and Matlala were both moved from the Kgosi Mampuru C-Max Correctional Centre in Pretoria last Friday and December, respectively.
The prison’s boss said such moves are routine for high-risk offenders and are aimed at preventing escapes and maintaining order.
“ The transfers are administered on a daily basis. Let me give an example.
“Yesterday, there was an inmate who was transferred from the Eastern Cape to eBongweni after being reclassified from medium to high security because of criminal activities associated with the same inmate that were detected.”
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Correctional Services confirmed it is engaging with Bester’s lawyers on the matter.
