Detained Dr Nandipha Magudumana has filed a criminal case against the Department of Correctional Services, accusing them of assault right in the prison where she is held.
Magudumana claims that she was assaulted while being held at the Bizzah Makhate Correctional Centre in Kroonstad, where she is currently detained in the prison’s hospital wing.
The Free State police have confirmed that a case of common assault has been registered at the Parkweg police station in Bloemfontein. The case will be transferred to the Kroonstad detective services for further investigation.
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However, no arrests have been made at this time, according to Police spokesperson Brigedier Motantsi Makhele.
On Wednesday, Dr Nandipha Magudumana failed to appear before the Bloemfontein Magistrate’s Court after collapsing in a holding cell. Her lawyer, Machini Motloung, stated that his client was unwell.
agudumana is currently facing charges of fraud, corruption, arson, violation of a body, and defeating the ends of justice for her alleged involvement in the prison escape of convicted rapist and murderer Thabo Bester.
The state has recently dropped charges against G4S employees Nastassja Jansen, Thabang Matthews Mier, and Moeketsi April Ramolula, who were also implicated in the case.
In an interview with SABC News, Jansen vehemently denied any involvement in Bester’s escape, claiming that she had been framed. She expressed frustration with the police’s handling of the investigation and stated that she is considering legal action against the state for wrongful arrest.
The remaining individuals still facing charges include Bester, Magudumana, her father Zolile Sekeleni, Senohe Matsoara, Teboho Lipholo, Buti Masukela, Tieho Makhotsa, Zando Moyo, and Joel Makhetha.
While Bester, Magudumana, and Moyo remain in custody, the others have been released on bail of R10,000 each. The suspects are scheduled to appear in court for their pre-trial in February 2024.
Bester’s escape from the Mangaung Correctional Centre in Bloemfontein on May 3, 2022, made headlines after he faked his death in a staged jail cell fire.
The body of Katlego Bareng was discovered in the prison cell. Bester and Magudumana were later apprehended in Arusha, Tanzania, on April 7, 2023, after fleeing South Africa.
