In a surprising turn of events, Dr. Nandipha Magudumana, a well-known South African doctor, has filed an appeal with the Free State High Court, arguing that her arrest and subsequent deportation were unconstitutional. The charges against Magudumana stem from her alleged involvement in aiding Thabo Bester’s dramatic escape from the Mangaung Correctional Centre in May 2022.
On April 7 of this year, both Magudumana and Bester were apprehended in Arusha, Tanzania, a mere 10 kilometers away from the Kenyan border. According to court documents submitted by Magudumana, she describes her arrest as an abduction, suggesting that South African authorities kidnapped her in Tanzania.
Magudumana’s legal motion, submitted urgently to the Free State High Court, seeks to have her arrest and subsequent deportation ruled unlawful. The motion requests the court to drop all twelve criminal charges against her, including aiding and abetting a convicted criminal.
As reported by EWN, the documents submitted by Magudumana allege that her arrest in Tanzania was not conducted within the boundaries of the law. While the details surrounding her claims are yet to be fully revealed, her appeal indicates that she intends to challenge the legality and circumstances of her apprehension by the South African authorities.
The case revolves around Magudumana’s alleged involvement in Thabo Bester’s prison break from the Mangaung Correctional Centre. The escape, which took place in May 2022, garnered significant attention and raised concerns about the security measures in place at the facility.
Thabo Bester, a high-profile inmate, managed to evade prison guards and escape custody, triggering a nationwide manhunt. The authorities subsequently apprehended Magudumana, whom they consider to be Bester’s accomplice in his escape.
While the details of the alleged involvement between Magudumana and Bester have not been fully disclosed, the charges against the renowned doctor are serious. If found guilty, she could face severe legal consequences, including potential imprisonment.
As of now, Magudumana has not applied for bail and remains in detention at the Kroonstad Prison. It is unclear when her case will be heard in court, but her appeal to the Free State High Court signals her determination to challenge the circumstances surrounding her arrest and deportation.