By Everson Luhanga
Thabo Bester and Dr Nandipha Magudumana landed at Lanseria international Airport in the early hours of this morning under heavy police guard.
Authorities have confirmed that Bester was taken to Kgosi Mampuru prison in Tshwane while Magudumana will head to Bloemfontein where he will appear in court today.
Bester faces a number of charges including escaping from prison.
National police commissioner Fanie Masemola has confirmed that Dr Nandipha will face murder charges and violation of bodies among other charges.
The two were arrested in Arusha, Tanzania on Saturday just 10 km from the Kenyan border. They had several passports with multiple identities in their possession.
Minister for Justice and Correctional Services Ronald Lamola and Police Minister Bheki Cele released a statement on Thursday morning thanking the government of Tanzania for its cooperation in the matter relating to the arrest and process of deportation of Bester and Magudumana.
“We will endeavour to emulate this level of cooperation with other countries in areas of mutual legal assistance and related matters,” said the statement.
The statement said the high level delegation led by the Department of Home Affairs sent to Tanzania on Monday 9 April 2023 has successfully concluded the deportation of the fugitives.
“We can confirm that these fugitives have been returned to South Africa. Mr Thabo Bester has been readmitted into the Kgosi Mampuru Central Maximum correctional facility and Dr Nandipha Magudumana is under arrest, pending her first court Appearance,” read part of the statement.
“We are grateful to the role players tasked with this matter thus far. This includes state agencies and members of the public who have shared information that has assisted in the detention of the two fugitives following an extensive manhunt.”
Meanwhile, National police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said Minister of Police Bheki Cele and Minister of Justice Ronald Lamola, will today update the nation on the progress on the deportation.
The media briefing comes five days after an official delegation from South Africa comprising senior officials from the Police, Justice and Correctional services and Home Affairs, departed for Tanzania to meet with their counterparts and engage in the process required to bring back the fugitives.
Pictured above: Thabo Bester and Dr Nandipha Magudumana
Image source: Chriselda Lewis
