Overview
- Bester’s trial is scheduled to open on 20 July 2026 in the Free State High Court, with the third term set aside for proceedings.
- A North Gauteng High Court hearing on 22 January will address his detention conditions, while a Johannesburg High Court matter in early 2026 challenges his prison classification at Kgosi Mampuru.
- His Pretoria litigation contests the legality of his return from Tanzania, which his lawyer says could affect the court’s jurisdiction to try him.
- A separate PAIA application seeks records said to be held by the Presidency and Crime Intelligence, including the cellphone records of Minister Ronald Lamola.
- The defence is also pursuing the release of frozen bank accounts and access to a laptop for trial preparation, as the state notes a theft docket over missing items seized in Tanzania on which the NPA declined to prosecute; co‑accused Nandipha Magudumana plans Constitutional Court papers by 19 December.