Schoolmates in disbelief at Dr Nandipha’s arrest
Magudumana has always loved the spotlight, her matric year book quote says it all.
Schoolmates of Dr Nandipha Magudumana (Sekeleni), formerly of Port Edward, are still in shock as more details emerged in her and Thabo Bester‘s escape and subsequent arrests.
Magudumana has been charged with murder, violation of bodies, fraud, and aiding and abetting in her lover’s escape from Mangaung Correctional Centre in May 2022.
The couple was arrested in Tanzania and brought back to South Africa last Thursday.
Magudumana appeared in the Bloemfontein Magistrate’s Court last Thursday, and again on Monday this week, where she was denied bail.
Those who matriculated with Magudumana at Port Shepstone High School in 2005 are still in disbelief:
“She was very sweet and friendly, soft spoken and I would say a gentle demeanour. It’s hard to imagine her doing these crazy things, but also, I realise that people aren’t all they seem to be sometimes. I also just learned that a boy I went to primary school with in Margate was recently accused of murdering his girlfriend or wife. People shock you every day with their true selves. The girl I knew? I feel she could have been manipulated. But I don’t know the woman she became later in life. This Bester bloke seems like serious business. Paranoia on my behalf maybe.”
Another classmate said she was very quiet and sweet in class. “I was in English class with her. I do remember her being tired a lot in class. I do not know what made her tired, however, she did ask for food sometimes, so maybe it was just being hungry. We are all shocked to hear what she did. No one expected sweet Nandipha to become a criminal.”
Another described her as someone who kept to herself. “Even though she was not a loner, she would sit and chat with different groups, She did not have friends of her own. As people who knew her, we are extremely shocked and awaiting to see what unfolds.”
A Grade 8 educator who taught Magudumana described her as someone who was always self-focused. The educator pulled out a quote from Magudumana’s matric year book which read, ”Flash? Camera… Iza Mas,” and reflecting on those words many feel that Magudumana always wanted to be in the spotlight.
Magudumana remains in custody until her next court appearance on May 3 and 4.
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