Case of the Century: What does the tale of Bester tell us about us?

[View in browser]( [Mail & Guardian]( M&G Mornings | Thu 04 May   [ron_derby] I’ve followed the story of Thabo Bester and his partner, Dr Nandipha Magudumana, like most of us in the country. Next to Eskom’s operational collapse, it’s the biggest story of the year. The grizzly details of Bester’s escape from jail will be fodder for us to stew over for many a year, but what does his tale say about the state of us? The immediate answer is that it does tell a story of corruption and its toll on our public institutions and in this case, our prisons. But in the material benefits of the enablers of what clearly was a comfortable incarcerated life of Bester, it may tell a story of crass materialism in our society at any cost. Maybe I am reading a bit too much into a tale of nothing more than a common criminal, but there’s something much more. Surely. Anyway, when I have those thoughts or the words – there’ll be more to analyse about this case, but perhaps if you as a Mail & Guardian follower have some thoughts, please email me. Until then, enjoy the Mail & Guardian’s watching brief on the case of the century. Speak later… Ron Derby | Editor-in-Chief [@Ronderby]( [Thabo Bester Gallo Images 2]( [Thabo Bester saga: bail hearing postponed, two more suspects added]( Tieho Frans Makhotsa and Natasha Jansen made their first court appearance alongside co-accused for their alleged role in helping Thabo Bester escape from prison [// Read more]( Articles labelled as Premium are only available to subscribers. [CLICK HERE]( to subscribe Already a subscriber? [SIGN IN HERE]( [andrederuyter_423150]( Premium [Court rules ANC can serve summons on De Ruyter in Germany]( The Pretoria high court granted an order, unopposed, to allow it to serve papers abroad in its defamation suit against the former Eskom chief executive This article is only available to subscribers. [View subscription options]( If you are already a subscriber, login here. [// Read more]( [Eskom_GettyImages-1158766660]( [Eskom winter ‘plan’ is to burn through diesel]( The power utility plans to burn more diesel to reduce load-shedding levels, but the treasury won’t finance it [// Read more]( Recommended Reads Premium [COP28 climate summit: ‘Expectations high, trust is low’]( Wealthy countries must step up and make sure that their pledges to developing countries are met, says COP28 president [// Read more]( [Meyiwa murder trial: Police allegedly involved in torture, assault of witness]( State witness Mthokozisi Thwala claims a police officer ordered him to change his statement about events surrounding the 2014 killing of the footballer [// Read more]( [SA’s economic system chews up, spits out workers]( When macroeconomic policy has so clearly failed workers, and us all, why is a complete overhaul still out of the question? [// Read more]( [Jan Oberholzer to stay on at Eskom as an adviser]( The former chief operating officer will advise the board and ministers and focus on projects intended to deal with load-shedding [// Read more]( [Sisisi Tolashe versus Bathabile Dlamini for ANC Women’s League president]( President Cyril Ramaphosa’s allies have kickstarted their campaigns, with names such as Tina Joemat-Pettersson also expected to stand for top positions [// Read more]( Pic of the day [Erling Haaland Getty] Manchester City striker Erling Harland celebrates after scoring the 2nd City goal and his record breaking 35th Premier League goal of the season during the Premier League match between Manchester City and West Ham United at Etihad Stadium on May 03, 2023 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images) [Share]( [Share]( [Tweet]( [Tweet]( [Forward]( [Forward]( This email was sent to {EMAIL} [why did I get this?]( [unsubscribe from this list]( [update subscription preferences]( Mail & Guardian Media LTD · 25 Owl St · Braamfontein · Johannesburg, Gauteng 2001 · South Africa