South Africa’s Home Affairs Minister Dr. Aaron Motsoaledi have come out to reveal that Thabo Bester never had an identity document, and his name is currently not on the department’s systems as a registered South African citizen. During an intense interrogation, the minister refused to reveal how many prisoners across the country do not have IDs, as this falls under the Department of Correctional Services’ jurisdiction.
This report statement was made in response to a written parliamentary question from EFF MP Vuyani Pambo, who wanted to know why Bester did not have an ID. Remember, when Bester was arrested with Dr. Nandipha Magudumana, Police Minister Bheki Cele stated that thousands of prisoners lacked identity documents. This means most of the criminals serving time in prison facilities across the country are most likely foreign nationals who dubiously found their way into the country.
According to the minister, the ministry of Home Affairs is ready to provide Thabo Bester with an ID if approached by the Department of Correctional Services. Bester’s mother did not have an ID until 2002 when she visited Home Affairs with her three children to register them. However, Bester was not included in the registration process because he had already left home by that time.
Giving room for suspense and speculations, the minister refused to answer why Bester was allowed to remain in prison for many years without possessing an identity document. Motsoaledi stated that his department did not audit inmates at correctional facilities, and any identity issues should be handled by the Department of Correctional Services.
