Dr Nandipha Magudumana is expected to make a second appearance at the Bloemfontein Magistrate’s Court on May 16, alongside five other accused individuals who allegedly helped convicted killer and rapist Thabo Bester escape from the Mangaung Correctional Centre in May of last year. The court postponed her bail application, but Magudumana’s legal representative stated that she has not abandoned it, and more evidence has come to light.
Bester, who was serving a sentence for the rape and murder of a 15-year-old girl, is also scheduled to appear in court on the same day. Meanwhile, the other five accused, Zolile Sekeleni, Buti Masukela, Senohe Matsoara, and Teboho Lipholo, have remained in custody, and the proceedings for their case are being held in-camera.
Before the hearing, media houses received an addendum stating that no live recording of the bail proceedings would be permitted during the days of the formal bail applications, including the testimony of witnesses and accused persons. However, the live recording of the bail proceedings would be allowed after all evidence had been presented.
The document emphasized the importance of responsible, professional, respectful, and non-derogatory recording and coverage of the proceedings to ensure the privacy and dignity of all litigants and court officials. Photographers would be required to leave the court immediately after taking pictures, and strict compliance with these conditions would be necessary at all times.
Dr. Nandipha Magudumana’s second appearance in court, accompanied by five other accused individuals, has been scheduled for May 16th. All six individuals are implicated in aiding Thabo Bester’s escape from the Mangaung Correctional Centre in May 2021. It is believed that crucial evidence has come to light regarding the case.
Magudumana’s legal representative clarified that she has not abandoned her bail application but requested a postponement. However, the court has ruled that she must remain in custody until her next appearance. Bester, the convicted killer and rapist, is also due to appear in court on the same day. The remaining accused individuals, Zolile Sekeleni, Buti Masukela, Senohe Matsoara, and Teboho Lipholo, are still in custody, and their proceedings are being held in-camera.
Before the bail proceedings began, media outlets received a document stating that no live recording of the proceedings would be permitted during the formal bail application days, including the testimony of witnesses and accused persons. The document also indicated that the live recording of the bail proceedings would only be allowed after all the evidence had been presented.
To ensure the protection of the privacy and dignity of all litigants and court officers, the document emphasized the importance of responsible, professional, respectful, and non-derogatory recording and coverage of the proceedings. Photographers would need to leave the court immediately after taking pictures, and strict compliance with these conditions would be necessary at all times.
Dr. Nandipha Magudumana and five other accused individuals have a second appearance scheduled for May 16th. All six individuals are implicated in assisting Thabo Bester in his escape from the Mangaung Correctional Centre in May 2021. Magudumana’s bail application was postponed, but she has not abandoned it, and more evidence has been discovered.
The remaining accused individuals are still in custody, and their proceedings are being held in-camera. Media outlets have been provided with a document outlining the terms for recording and coverage of the bail proceedings, emphasizing responsible, professional, respectful, and non-derogatory reporting and photography. Photographers must leave the court immediately after taking pictures, and strict compliance with these conditions.
