Dr. Nandipha was reportedly not in court after refusing to see a medical officer and undressing herself while transported to court.
The Bloemfontein Magistrate’s Court faced a lot of drama on Wednesday during the Thabo Bester hearing. News24 reports that Bester and his co-accused made a brief appearance due to delays from his lover, Nandipha Magudumana, who fell ill and failed to appear.
Dr Nandipha reportedly remained in the holding cells while the case was being heard. It was said that she had undressed herself while being transported from prison in Kroonstad. Amanda Bester, Senior Prosecutor, confirmed to the court that the State was informed about Nandipha’s health on Tuesday.
However, she refused to see a medical officer for examination. There was a one-hour delay in court proceedings because it was reported that she had collapsed in the holding cells. Machini Motloung, Magudumana’s lawyer, said she was transported to court inhumanely. She also accused the state of declining their request for her to appear virtually.
Amanda Bester said claims that she was transported inhumanely were untrue and revealed that she was found naked by prison warders after being transported. She said, “She undressed herself on the way.”
The case was transferred to the High Court for a pre-trial, with the date 21 February 2024 agreed upon.
