Thabo Bester, a convicted rapist and killer, claimed in court on Tuesday, August 8, 2023, that R30 million in cash and designer goods had disappeared by the time he and Dr. Nandipha Magudumana were arrested in Tanzania in April.

However, Fannie Masemola, the national commissioner of the SAPS, denied these allegations on Saturday, August 12, 2023. He stated that the only possessions seized from the duo at Gauteng’s Lanseria Airport by the police were two smartphones and a laptop.

Bester’s assertion of the missing funds and valuables contrasts starkly with Masemola’s official statement. As legal proceedings continue, the court will need to assess the credibility of Bester’s claims and determine whether there is any evidence to support his allegations. The discrepancy between his account and the commissioner’s response raises questions about the accuracy of Bester’s testimony.

The case serves as a reminder of the importance of due process and the thorough examination of evidence in legal proceedings, particularly in cases of such gravity.