Dr Nandipha Magudumana, Thabo Bester and seven other co-accused are scheduled to appear at a Bloemfontein court, on Tuesday, 20 June 2023.
UPDATE: On Tuesday, 20 June 2023, the case against Dr Nandipha Magudumana, Thabo Bester and seven other co-accused was postponed to allow the State ample time to examine droves of cellphone data and bank statements. The matter will return to the court roll on 8 August 2023.
WATCH LIVE: Dr Nandipha, Thabo Bester back in court
All nine suspects, including Zanda Moyo, who was recently apprehended and charged with aiding and abetting Bester’s escape, will gather at the docks to deal with the next phase of what is shaping up to be a very complex case.
At this juncture, it remains unclear if, Magudumana, who lost her bid to declare her Tanzania arrest unlawful recently, will join proceedings virtually, much like her lover Bester did during their last court appearance.
Proceedings are expected to kick off at 09:00 at the Bloemfontein Magistrate’s Court.
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Tuesday’s proceedings take place two weeks after the Bloemfontein High Court dismissed Magudumana’s attempt to have the charges against her declared null and void, over a technicality in her deportation back to South Africa.
However, the court dismissed Magudumana’s urgent application with costs.
In delivering the judgment, Judge Phillip Loubser highlighted that Magudumana was fully aware of the charges she would be facing during the handover process between the Tanzanian and South African governments upon her return. The judge also noted that Magudumana did not resist during the handover process, expressing her desire to reunite with her children in South Africa.
Judge Loubser emphasised that Magudumana actively participated in the handover process and stated that if she had any concerns, she should address them with the Tanzanian government.
The court had previously heard arguments from Magudumana’s legal representative, as well as advocates representing Home Affairs and the South African Police Services.