The South African Police Service has refuted claims that they were treating Dr Nandipha Magudumana like royalty after a video of her without chains on her legs circulated on social media.

SAPS national spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said that the risk profile of every suspect in custody is considered. This, she says included the flight risk, the seriousness of offences that the person is charged with, and surrounding circumstances. "We agree that she is a flight risk and the charges she is facing are serious. Her profile requires her to be escorted at all times when attending court by highly trained and skilled members who respond to medium and high-risk incidents," Mathe said. She added that even on the video, Magudumana is seen escorted by a Technical Response Team member. According to their policy, a person in custody must not be handcuffed or have leg chains while in the back of a patrol van as they may be injured during transportation. "SAPS vans are equipped with a secured canopy with padlocks that are locked at all times. Our vans are thoroughly searched before a person in custody is transported. The search focuses on removing unwanted objects or instruments which can cause an escape or self-harm, "she said. 

You all saw Dr Nandipha in court with Chain leggings but when she got off the van she was just walking like a tourist exploring Maboneng

?"? @IamMzilikazi pic.twitter.com/kxntWv1Ng1

— The Instigator (@Am_Blujay) June 21, 2023

Mathe said as soon as the suspect enters the court, they are chained to make sure that they don't escape from lawful custody. Magudumana alongside her lover convicted rapist and murderer Thabo Bester faces charges of fraud, corruption, arson, violation of a body, and defeating the ends of justice. The duo was brought back to Mzansi on April 12, after their arrest in Arusha, Tanzania. Bester escaped from the Mangaung Correctional Centre in the Free State, in May last year. Seven other suspects are facing similar charges and they will be back at the Bloemfontein Magistrates Court on 8 August 2023. The police said they cannot rule out the possibility of effecting more arrests.