Thabo Bester's lover Dr Nandipha Magudumana has issued a statement through her lawyers months after her arrest in Tanzania stating that she is "holding on in faith". The disgraced doctor is facing charges of corruption, arson, fraud, defeating the ends of justice and violation of a body. Nandipha is accused of aiding her convicted murderer lover Thabo Bester to escape from the Mangaung Correctional facilities in May last year.
Dr Nandipha says she's been having deep conversations with God asking for strength each passing day since her "illegal incarceration" at Bizzah Makhete Correctional Centre in Kroonstad. "Though the last few weeks have not been easy, I am more convinced than ever that there is a reason and a purpose for everything. To my family and the people who have been supporting and praying for me, thank you very much. May the Almighty shine His face on you and give you peace that surpasses all understanding," she said. She said through her lawyers, she is aware of the many untrue statements, narratives and conclusions surrounding her arrest and will deal with such at a more appropriate level.
Nandipha said that as Women's Month comes to an end, she is reminded about the struggles women face in Mzansi. She added that she will soon be in a position to give deeper insight into her suffering behind bars. "The many painful times I have suffered physical, emotional, financial, and sexual abuse at the hands of powerful men, including some of the most powerful and prominent families in South Africa currently occupying the highest offices in government and business," she said in her statement through her lawyers. "My painful experience at the correctional facility included the plight of women inmates and the violation of their human rights. The merits concerning the allegations against me and the events which transpired in Tanzania are currently before the courts and will also be addressed at a more appropriate time,"
Dr. Nandipha said she is also aware of the various productions being shot about her life and would like to categorically state that if her voice or that of her legal team is not represented, there is likely no truth or credibility to that story. " I have conditionally granted a black woman-owned production company from South Africa exclusive rights to my story and our lawyers are finalising the paperwork. Lastly and most importantly, to my beautiful children, I miss you so much and Mommy loves you. Mommy is fighting with everything she has to be with you again. I will see you soon," she concluded. Together with her co-accused including her lover and father, Nandipha will appear in court again on October 11.
