Dr Nandipha Magudumana ’s father, Zolile Sekeleni, has been released on R10 000 bail

Dr Nandipha Magudumana ’s father, Zolile Sekeleni has been released on R10 000 bail

Doctor Nandipha Magudumana’s father, Zolile Sekeleni, has been granted R10,000 bail.

Sekeleni is accused of aiding convicted rapist and murderer, Thabo Bester, to escape from the Mangaung prison in May last year. He’s due back in court on 16 May.

Meanwhile, Magudumana, Bester’s alleged accomplice, together with two other accused, have been remanded in custody.

The three will return to the Bloemfontein Magistrates Court on 3 and 4 May for their formal bail applications.

Magudumana appeard in court with a light grey hoodie and a large mask to cover her face – she was asked to remove the mask and pull back the hoodie so they could confirm her identity.

Prosecutor Sello Matlhoko indicated that the state was opposed to bail for Magudumana, former G4S prison warden Senohe Matsoara and former CCTV technician Teboho Lipholo, and asked that the three be remanded in custody until May 3 when they will be applying for bail.

During court proceedings, Matlhoko requested the court to order Magudumana to remove her N95 mask and her hoodie to reveal her face.

“The court itself must be satisfied with the identity [of the accused]. We might find that’s not the person. But the court needs to be satisfied that it is indeed the person being charged,” said Matlhoko.

Advocate Themba Diba argued that it was not necessary because Magudumana’s identity has been confirmed. However, magistrate Motlholo Khabisi ordered Magudumana to expose her face.

Magudumana’s mother and a friend were in court. Before proceedings, Magudumana could be seen interacting with the pair in a brief and emotional encounter.