“Reality Strikes”: Dr Nandipha Magudumana Marks Her 35th Birthday Behind Bars
Dr Nandipha Magudumana observed her 35th birthday in a rather subdued manner today, as she made an appearance in the Bloemfontein Magistrate’s Court for the ongoing deliberation of her bail request.
Dr Nandipha Magudumana In Jail
Magudumana finds herself entangled in a web of legal issues, facing numerous charges including fraud, obstructing justice, tampering with evidence, aiding a prisoner’s escape, corruption, and arson. Her alleged involvement in aiding the escape of her partner, Thabo Bester, a convicted rapist and murderer, from the Mangaung Correctional Centre in May 2022 has led to these charges.
It is claimed that Dr Nandipha staged Bester’s suicide, planted a decoy body, and fled the country with him. She was apprehended in Arusha, Tanzania, alongside Bester in April of this year and subsequently deported to South Africa. Since then, she has been held in custody at the Bizzah Makhate Correctional Centre in Kroonstad.
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Her previous decision to withdraw her bail application in May and her subsequent attempt to challenge her arrest’s legality in court, which was dismissed by the Free State High Court in July, has set the stage for her ongoing legal battle.
Bail Application Resumes
Today, her legal team resumed their pursuit of bail, asserting that she was coerced and kidnapped by Bester and posed no flight risk or threat to society. They also contended that she had been subjected to mistreatment and intimidation by law enforcement and prison authorities.
A Birthday in Court For Dr Nandipha
Dr Nandipha’s father and siblings were present in court to offer their support. A poignant moment transpired as Dr Nandipha left the courtroom for her holding cell, with her sister and father bidding her farewell.
On her 35th birthday, the toll of her incarceration appears evident, as even her hairline seems to recede. Nevertheless, her impeccable fashion sense remains intact, and her loyalty to Nike apparel remains unwavering.
The bail hearing is set to continue. Magudumana could face a potential life sentence.
