Overview
- The Department of Correctional Services confirmed the move and described it as a routine, security‑guided transfer with assurances of continued access to lawyers, family contact and court processes.
- eBongweni is South Africa’s only super‑maximum facility, where inmates are held under stringent controls that include up to 23 hours a day in single cells and monitored communications.
- KwaZulu‑Natal corrections commissioner Mnikelwa Nxele touted the prison’s security, saying escapes are virtually impossible and noting a record of no escapes since its 2002 opening.
- Bester’s advocate plans to apply for his return to Kgosi Mampuru, while a separate defence team for inmate Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala reports blocked or monitored consultations at Kokstad that they argue impair fair‑trial rights.
- Bester’s case returns to the Bloemfontein High Court for case management on 18 March 2026 ahead of a trial scheduled from 20 July to 18 September 2026, with officials saying logistics for appearances are in place.