Correctional Services confirms escape of Facebook rapist

The department originally stated that Bester died in a fire in his cell at the Mangaung Correctional Centre.

"DCS is now in a position to bring forth findings of its investigation on Thabo Bester, an offender sentenced to life and 75 years imprisonment, running concurrently," says departmental spokesperson, Singabakho Nxumalo.

"A post-mortem conducted on the body that burnt beyond recognition in Cell 35 at Mangaung Correctional Centre, revealed that it was an adult male with blunt force trauma to his head.

"The postmortem report further revealed that there were no signs of smoke inhalation in the body.

"Furthermore, it uncovered that the pancreas and the spleen in the body were in the early stages of decomposition.

"Over and above that, the DNA sequencing with a person identified to be the mother of Bester failed to indicate a common ancestor or a match.

"Based on the above, a plausible conclusion will mean that the said body referred to above is not of Thabo Bester.

Nxumalo says it is critical that Bester be found.

"DCS is appealing to the public to assist with any information that may lead to the re-arrest of Bester.

"No stone will be left unturned in getting to the bottom of Thabo Bester’s escape and there will be serious consequences for any party involved."