Overview
- The Free State High Court scheduled the main trial for 20 July 2026, with a case‑management hearing set for 18 March 2026.
- Bester’s team detailed at least six outstanding matters: a 22 January 2026 hearing on detention conditions in the North Gauteng High Court, a Johannesburg application to change his Kgosi Mampuru classification, a Pretoria PAIA bid for Presidency and Crime Intelligence records including Ronald Lamola’s phone data, a challenge to his return from Tanzania, an application to unfreeze bank accounts, and a request for a laptop.
- Judge Opperman warned the interlocutory cases could postpone the proceedings further and pressed for expedited timetables.
- The court refused a request to allow food to be brought to Bester during appearances, ruling it falls outside judicial authority.
- The state reported a theft docket over items seized in Tanzania with an NPA decision not to prosecute, while co‑accused Nandipha Magudumana seeks Constitutional Court relief with papers due by 19 December 2025.