Thabo Bester, a convicted murderer and rapist, had his application dismissed by the Free State High Court, in which he claimed that the conditions at the Kgosi Mampuru Correctional Centre violated his rights. Bester had argued that the restrictions he faced constituted an infringement on his right to a fair trial, specifically pointing to insufficient time for legal consultations, a lack of access to a laptop, and unconstitutional solitary confinement. In addition, he raised concerns about the use of restraints during transport and the absence of privacy during legal meetings.

Judge Petrus Daffue ruled against Bester, stating that he had not provided a reasonable legal basis for the relief he sought, effectively upholding the prison's conditions and the legal practices in place. Bester's plea for better conditions and additional resources to prepare his defense was viewed as unfounded by the court, which underscores the legal system's stance on prison regulations and the treatment of inmates who have committed serious offenses.

This ruling highlights ongoing discussions around prisoners' rights within South Africa's criminal justice system, as well as the legal recourse available to convicts who challenge the conditions of their incarceration. It raises important questions about the balance between ensuring rights for convicted individuals while also maintaining the necessary security and order within correctional facilities.