By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Dr Nandipha Sekeleni Magudumana,Image supplied.
Disgraced Dr. Nandipha Magudumana has filed a case of assault against prison staff at the Correctional Centre in Kroonstad.
Magudumana claimed she was assaulted at the Bizzah Makhate Correctional Centre in Kroonstad.
Free State police confirmed a case of common assault was registered at Parkweg police station in Bloemfontein on Wednesday. The matter will be transferred to Kroonstad detective services for further investigations.
“Dr Nandipha Magudumana alleged that she was assaulted at the Correctional Services detention facility in Kroonstad, where she was apparently admitted to its hospital wing.
“The matter will be transferred to Kroonstad Detective Services for further investigation, and no one has been arrested so far,” said police spokesperson Motantsi Makhele.
Magudumana and the co-accused in the Thabo Bester prison escape case returned to the Bloemfontein Magistrates Court on Wednesday morning, but the start of the court proceedings was delayed after it emerged that Magudumana was feeling unwell.
Magudumana had to receive medical attention after she fainted in the holding cells of the police station.
Her lawyer, Machini Motloung, told the media that he had spoken to the area commissioner and the medical officer who had attended to his client, and it was confirmed that Magudumana was unwell.
The attorney described allegations his client had been forced into the back of a police van from the Kroonstad women’s prison as “inhumane” and a “gross violation” of her right to dignity.
Last month, Magudumana, who is accused of helping convicted killer and rapist Bester escape from the Maguang prison, lost her bid to be released on bail after the court found her to be a flight risk.
She is facing charges of fraud, corruption, arson, violation of a body and defeating the ends of justice for her alleged role in the prison escape of convicted rapist and murderer Bester.