Becker Semela (GroundUp)
Dr Nandipha Magudumana, one of the alleged masterminds in convicted murderer and rapist Thabo Bester's escape, has opened a case of assault against members of the Department of Correctional Services.
She did not attend court proceedings in the Bloemfontein Magistrates Court on Wednesday due to ill health after she allegedly collapsed at the Parkweg police station.
Brigadier Motantsi Makhele of the Free State Police said she claimed to have been assaulted in the Kroonstad Correctional Centre.
According to Makhele, the charge will be investigated by the investigating unit in Kroonstad.
The case against Bester and his co-accused has been transferred to the Free State High Court where they will make another appearance on 21 February 2024 for a pre-trial.
This is after the state withdrew charges against Natassja Jansen, Thabang Mier, and Moeketsi Ramolula.
Bester told the court that he appointed new legal counsel in Jan Loubser, who will be assisted by high-profile advocates, Zandile Moshololo, who is a defence lawyer in the Senzo Meyiwa trial, as well as seasoned advocate, Dali Mpofu.
Bester's surprised former lawyer, Kabelo Matee, said he was not aware of the changes, but Bester told the court that he was still part of the legal team as "there are still some things I want him to handle".
A new charge sheet was also handed into court, containing 34 charges in the preliminary indictment.
Bester and Magudumana are on trial with Senohe Matsoara, a former G4S warden, Teboho Lipholo, a CCTV camera technician, Motanyane Masukela, a prison security guard, Tieho Makhotsa, a former G4S control room employee, Zando Moyo, a Zimbabwean citizen, and Joel Makhetha.
They face a string of charges that include fraud and corruption, aiding and abetting a prisoner to escape, and the desecration of a body.
Bester, Magudumana, and Moyo remain in custody until their first appearance in the High Court, while the bail of their co-accused has been extended.
