Nandipha Magudumana maintains that her arrest in Tanzania in April, together with her lover Thabo Bester, was illegal.
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This she said in a statement that she issued from the Bizzah Makhete Correctional Centre in Kroonstad, Free State, where she is awaiting trial.
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She also expressed gratitude to friends and family for their unwavering support during her incarceration.Â
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Magudumana faces multiple charges including aiding and abetting Bester, a convicted rapist and murderer, escape from lawful custody, defeating the ends of justice, arson, fraud, and violating a corpse.Â
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In a statement, she outlined the difficulties she has faced since her fall from grace, stating that she has resorted to finding strength in deep conversations with God during time in jail.
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“I would like to assure you that I am holding on in faith,” she said.Â
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Magudumana also addressed different narratives surrounding her arrest, asserting that through her legal team, she is aware of many false statements that are being spread around.Â
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She, however, resolved to address the matter at a later stage.Â
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“As women’s month comes to an end, I’m reminded about the struggles women face in our country,” said Magudumana.
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“In the near future, I will be in a position to give you deeper insight on the following:
- The painful times I have suffered physically, emotionally and financially, and sexual abuse at the hands of powerful men including some of the most powerful and prominent families in South Africa;
- My painful experience at the correctional facility including the plight of woman inmates and the violation of their human rights;
- The merits concerning the allegations against me and the events which transpired in Tanzania, [which] are currently before the courts and will also be addressed at a more appropriate time.”
She acknowledged various productions being put together about her life, and clarified her stance.
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“I’d like to categorically state that if my voice or that of my legal team is not represented, there is likely no truth or credibility to that story,” she said.Â
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She also revealed that she has granted exclusive rights to her story to a local black woman-owned production company.
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Magudumana also expressed her longing for her children and her determination to fight for their reunion.
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“Lastly and most importantly, to my beautiful children, I miss you so much. Mommy loves you,” she said.
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“Mommy is fighting with everything she has to be with you again. I will see you soon.”
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During Magudumana and Bester’s appearance in court in Bloemfontein early in August, allegations of inhumane treatment towards them emerged.
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These were revealed by their legal teams.
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The alleged inhumane treatment that the couple endured during detention and on their way back to the country from Tanzania is being investigated.
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The couple returns to court on October 11.
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