Right Or Privilege? This Is Why Dr. Nandipha Attended Court Virtually
While Thabo Bester, her partner in crime, appeared in court virtually from Kgosi Mampuru prison in Pretoria, Nandipha Magudumana chose to do the same.
Even though the celebrity doctor is being held at Kroonstad Prison, which is located in the same province as the Bloemfontein Magistrates Court, she did not appear in person in the dock.
So why did the celebrity aesthetics doctor not appear in the dock in person?
NANDIPHA VIRTUAL APPEARANCE: RIGHT OR PRIVILEGE?
During Nandipha’s brief virtual appearance, she was seen in front of rows of bookshelves, which appeared to be a library at Kroonstad Prison.
However, her case was adjourned after just five minutes, and the next court date was set for 20 June, coinciding with Thabo Bester’s return to court.
Additionally, Nandipha decided to waive her right to make a bail application and instead opted to remain in custody at the prison.
Shedding light on the scenario, SABC journalist Chriselda Lewis said of Bester’s co-accused:
“Her lawyer said it was her right to do so. And then, she appeared via Zoom, which has generated a lot of public scrutiny.”
According to Lewis, Nandipha did indeed appear via video link from the library of the Kroonstad Correctional Centre.
“They [authorities] said it was the only area with sufficient space where correctional officers could also monitor her.”
On the other hand, Lewis claimed that Thabo Bester’s legal representatives expressed dissatisfaction with his virtual appearance in court.
“They never agreed to it, and they would sometimes want to consult with their client [in person].”
Sly Grin Sparks Social Media Outrage
After facing backlash for accusations of “pretty privilege” and receiving perceived “special treatment” by not having to appear in person in court, Nandipha further fueled the criticism when she was caught smirking on camera.
A Twitter user remarked:
“Dr. Nandipha Magudumana is posing, smiling, and displaying a fashion statement. Caring less about the family that lost their son and also, in a way, arrogantly mocking the court.”