Dr Nandipha Magudumana, who is facing multiple charges, will remain in custody after her bail application was denied by the Bloemfontein Magistrate Court.
Magistrate Estelle de Lange stated that Magudumana played a significant role in aiding the escape of her lover, Thabo Bester. The magistrate expressed concerns that Magudumana could easily tamper with the evidence.
Dr Nandipha Magudumana Bail Application Denied
Magudumana is facing charges of assisting an inmate to escape from lawful custody, violation of a dead body, and defeating the ends of justice.
De Lange further added that Magudumana could potentially intimidate her co-accused due to their strong relationships. She also highlighted that Magudumana poses a definite flight risk as she had lied about her passports.
Magudumana is scheduled to appear in court again on the 11th of October 2023.
Arguments from Defense and Prosecution
The defense attempted to convince the court that Magudumana would not evade trial. However, the state, opposing bail, argued that she has reason to flee as she has done so before. State Prosecutor Sello Matlhoko contended that Magudumana had the right to apply for bail from the moment she was arrested and that it was her choice not to exercise that right.