On Tuesday, August 8, 2023, Herman Mashaba, the leader of South African political party Action SA, took to his official Twitter account to voice his outrage. The source of his dismay was a series of pictures and videos capturing convicted rapist Thabo Bester and his alleged coconspirator, Dr. Nandipha Magudumana, sharing smiles and laughter while seated together in court earlier that morning.

“This makes a mockery of our criminal justice system.” – Wrote Herman Mashaba on Twitter.

Mashaba’s expression of indignation stems from his belief that the duo’s behavior in court is a direct affront to the integrity of the South African justice system. He asserts that their seemingly lighthearted demeanor is making a mockery of the very principles that the justice system upholds.

This incident has provoked a strong response from Mashaba, underlining his commitment to upholding the seriousness and fairness of the legal process, even in the face of disturbing displays such as these.