Dr. Nandipha Magudumana appeared separately in the Free State High Court on Friday after a three-hour delay in her transportation from Kroonstad Prison.
Magudumana is on trial with convicted murderer Thabo Bester and five others for their alleged roles in Bester’s 2021 escape from Mangaung Private Prison.
Her lawyer, Machini Motloung, told the court that she had been ready for transport since 6 a.m., but officials only arrived at 9 a.m., a delay he called “totally unacceptable.” The prosecutor stated the investigating officer took responsibility, explaining a required female official was not present to sign Magudumana out.
Motloung dismissed this explanation and demanded a full report from Correctional Services. The case was postponed to March.