By Rorisang Modiba
Nandipha Magudumana reportedly suffered injuries after being allegedly attacked by a mentally unstable sangoma inmate at the Kroonstad Correctional Centre last Sunday.
Her lawyer, advocate Machini Motloung, is calling for her to be moved to a different cell to ensure her safety.
Magudumana, accused of helping her lover, Thabo Bester, escape from the Mangaung Correctional Centre in May last year, had previously faced threats and problems with other inmates, which led to the assault, eNCA reported.
Despite reporting these threats to the authorities, no action has been taken, according to Motloung.
He said there has been ongoing tension between Magudumana and the sangoma inmate.
The assault on Sunday was reportedly set off when Magudumana joined other inmates in singing and prayer.
Meanwhile, Department of Correctional Services (DCS) official Singabakho Nxumalo, noted that the department is still investigating the assault claim.
“DCS healthcare officials examined her and found no visible injuries. The safety and well-being of inmates is our utmost priority, and we take such allegations seriously. Hence, this incident is under investigation,” said Nxumalo.
Nxumalo said the DCS is investigating the circumstances following what was said to be a prayer meeting in a different cell from Magudamana’s.
“Reports of an alleged altercation and a push against the grills can be confirmed,” said the official.
“DCS officials advised Magudumana to open a criminal case when she reported that she was allegedly assaulted, but she opted to discuss it with her lawyers first.”
Nxumalo added that mentally challenged inmates are kept separately.
Pictured above: Nandipha Magudumana.
Image source: X
