By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
In an unexpected move, Dr Nandipha Magudumana’s attorney has told the Bloemfotein Magistrate Court they will not be proceeding with her bail application.
The court was supposed to hear her bail application and the five people accused of assisting convicted rapist and murderer, Thabo Bester, in his audacious prison escape.
Magudumana appeared alongside five former G4S employees – two of whom were arrested last week.
The bail application was set for Thursday and Friday to allow the court sufficient time to deal with all bail applications.
Magudumana’s attorney told the court there is material evidence which is crucial in Magudumana’s matter.
The state prosecutor confirmed they have received a request for some information from Magudumana’s attorney.
Her matter has been rolled over to May 16, when she will appear for the main case and possible bail application.
The state has also officially withdrawn the murder charge against Magudumana and co-accused.
The court ruled that she be remanded in custody pending her next appearance.
Moments before the accused appeared, media houses were issued with an addendum stating that on the days of the hearing of the formal bail applications, no live recording of the proceedings shall be permitted, this includes the testimony of witnesses called, the testimony of accused persons and cross-examination
“The live recording of the bail proceedings will only be allowed after all evidence has been adduced,” the document read.
The bail application against her co-accused continued and the state called on a police officer who works with organised crime as a witness to corroborate information pertaining to the five former G4S employees.
His evidence, if anything, was merely confirmatory statements regarding the accused – where they lived, how many family members they resided with, and whether they had any assets.
The officer did however provide details about certain accused, which may have an effect on whether they are granted bail.
He revealed that G4S security supervisor Senohe Matsoara travelled to Lesotho eight times between October and November last year – which may pave the way for the state to claim he might be a flight risk.
The witness also revealed that Nastassja Jansen and Teiho Frans Makhotsa, who were arrested last week, worked at G4S as CCR controllers – in charge of monitoring the CCTV cameras, but also electronically opening and closing certain doors at the Mangaung Prison.
The matter resumes in court on Friday.
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Video Courtesy of SABC.