Nandipha Magudumana’s appeal against deportation dismissed by SCA

Dr Nandipha Magudumana’s appeal to have her arrest and deportation from Tanzania declared unlawful has failed.

The Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) dismissed the appeal on Friday morning and the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) said that it will now focus on the accused’s trial.

“The NPA is committed to ensuring that justice is not only done but manifestly seen to be done because of the alleged crimes’ impact on the rule of law and the victims,” NPA national spokesperson Mthunzi Mhaga said.

Magudumana initially sought to have her arrest and deportation declared unlawful in 2023, with a judge dismissing that appeal in June of that year.

Magudumana and her lover, Facebook rapist Thabo Bester, were arrested in Tanzania after fleeing the country following Bester’s movie-like escape from a Mangaung correctional facility. 

She was arrested with her then-boyfriend in April 2023 and is facing 38 counts of fraud, corruption, money laundering, assisting an inmate to escape, violation of a body, arson and defeating the ends of justice.

Bester’s escape from prison

Seven other accused are in the dock with the couple in connection with Bester’s 2022 escape from the Mangaung Correctional Centre.

The other accused include Magudumana’s father Zolile Cornelius Sekeleni, driver Xanda Moyo, cameramen Teboho Lipholo, James Lipholo and three G4S employees.

Conspiring with his alleged accomplices, Bester is accused of burning a decoy corpse to fool the correctional centre into thinking he was dead, allowing for his escape.

Since the former lovers were arrested, legal sideshows have persisted, including changes in legal representation and appeals by Bester over his treatment in prison and his desire to have access to his laptop.

Bester and Magudumana’s trial is set down for 21 July to 19 September in the Free State High Court in Bloemfontein.

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