Three people caught up in the case of a rapist and murderer who escaped prison have had their charges withdrawn.
Thabo Bester managed to break out of a South African prison last year after faking his own death by setting fire to his cell.
The escape caused widespread outrage in South Africa, where local media dubbed him the “Facebook rapist” because he used the site to lure women with promises of jobs before attacking them.
On Wednesday, Bester and nine others had charges related to the escape confirmed, paving the way for the trial to go ahead.
Twelve people, including Bester, were initially charged in the prison escape case, but on Wednesday three had their charges withdrawn.
The state did not explain why the charges were dropped, but it is believed the charges against Nastaja Jansen, Thabang Mier and Moeketsi Ramulula were withdrawn due to lack of evidence.
While in court, Bester’s legal team alleged that his telephone calls had been recorded by the Department of Correctional Service. The state denied any knowledge of this.
The court heard that the matter was ready to be transferred to the high court for pre-trial proceedings on 21 February next year.