The family and friends of Katlego Bereng held a funeral for him in Bloemfontein on Sunday. Bereng’s body was used as a decoy in the prison break of convicted murderer and rapist Thabo Bester. Bereng’s remains were found burnt in Bester’s single cell at the Mangaung Correctional Services Centre a year ago. It was only after a year-long search that his family learned it was his body that had been found in Bester’s cell. Bereng’s fingerprints were obtained from the National Hospital in Bloemfontein and used to identify him. It was revealed that he had died from a blunt force trauma to the head and was already dead when his body was placed in Bester’s cell and set alight.
On Sunday, Bereng’s remains were brought to his home before being transported to the Lesley Monnanyane hall for his funeral service. His simple brown coffin was decorated with flowers, and a photo of him wearing a white T-shirt and white bucket hat was placed in front of the coffin. Mourners, including supporters of the Bloemfontein Celtics football club, paid tribute to Bereng’s life in song. However, some of his family members struggled to contain their emotions and had to be carried out of the hall during the service.
Meanwhile, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) confirmed that it had withdrawn the murder charge against Bester, his lover Dr Nandipha Magudumana, and their co-accused in connection with Bereng’s death. The NPA stated that the cause of death was registered as an unnatural death, and the cause of this unnatural death was still being investigated. The NPA did not have sufficient evidence to pursue a charge of murder and had decided not to do so pending further investigation.
Katlego Bereng’s death was a tragic event that has left his family and friends devastated. The circumstances surrounding his death are still being investigated, and it is unclear what happened to him. His death highlights the need for justice to be served and for those responsible to be held accountable for their actions.
The use of Bereng’s body as a decoy is a disturbing and shocking event that is unacceptable. It is a violation of human rights and shows a complete disregard for human life. The fact that Bereng was already dead when his body was placed in Bester’s cell and set alight is even more disturbing. This is a clear indication that something is seriously wrong with the justice system in South Africa, and action needs to be taken to prevent such incidents from happening again.
The withdrawal of the murder charge against Bester and his co-accused is concerning. It raises questions about the effectiveness of the justice system and whether justice is being served. The fact that there was insufficient evidence to pursue a charge of murder is worrying and suggests that there may be a lack of resources and support for those investigating the case.
It is essential that the investigation into Bereng’s death continues until those responsible are held accountable for their actions. The NPA needs to ensure that justice is served, and that those responsible are punished accordingly. The use of Bereng’s body as a decoy is a heinous crime that cannot be allowed to go unpunished.
Bereng’s funeral was a somber and emotional event that showed the deep sadness and pain felt by his family and friends. The fact that his family members had to be carried out of the hall during the service is a testament to the grief and trauma they are experiencing. It is essential that they receive the support and care they need during this difficult time. The death of Katlego Bereng is a tragic event that has left his family and friends devastated.
