The SCA has dismissed Magudumana’s appeal to have her arrest and deportation from Tanzania in April 2023 declared unlawful, a ruling that now strengthens the legal case against her in connection with the sensational prison break of convicted rapist and murderer, Thabo Bester.

Magudumana’s legal team approached the SCA after the High Court in Bloemfontein ruled in June 2023 she had willingly returned to South Africa, despite her claims of abduction by the police. The SCA upheld the High Court’s decision, clearing a major procedural hurdle ahead of her upcoming trial.

Welcoming the ruling, ActionSA Free State chairperson Patricia Kopane said the judgment marks a significant step toward accountability and the restoration of justice in South Africa.

“This ruling reaffirms that South Africa is no refuge for those who commit heinous crimes under the cloak of professional respectability. Her bid to escape accountability has failed, and she must now face the consequences of her role in the Thabo Bester escape and the murder of a young man whose family still awaits justice,” said Kopane.

She added Magudumana’s alleged involvement in Bester’s escape from Mangaung Correctional Centre cannot be minimised. “She fraudulently claimed the body used in the escape and misled authorities through a false affidavit. Disturbingly, body parts believed to be linked to the victim were later found in a river, a grim reminder of the brutality involved.”

Magudumana, a once-celebrated medical professional, now faces a staggering list of charges, including fraud, corruption, arson, violation of a corpse, and defeating the ends of justice. Kopane stressed that her status and former career cannot shield her from accountability.

“South Africa cannot be a place where the rich and well-connected manipulate systems and flee justice. She was once a respected doctor who betrayed the public trust and must now account fully for her actions, not from a place of privilege, but from a prison cell,” Kopane said.

Young man’s murder demands answers

“This case is not only about Bester’s escape, but the life stolen to make it possible. The young man’s murder demands answers, and ActionSA will not rest until justice is served for every victim, regardless of how powerful the perpetrators may be.”

The NPA has also welcomed the court’s decision. National spokesperson Adv. Mthunzi Mhanga said prosecution is now focused on preparing for the upcoming trial, set to commence on 21 July and expected to run until 19 September in the High Court in Bloemfontein.

Magudumana, Bester and several co-accused face a total of 38 charges, including money laundering and harbouring an escaped prisoner.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi cg