Dr. Nandipha Magudumana is mourning the death of her mother
Image: File
Inmate Nandipha Magudumana, widely known as Dr. Nandipha, may be granted compassionate leave to attend her mother’s funeral following her death on Thursday in Port Shepstone on KwaZulu-Natal’s south coast.
Magudumana’s mother, Nokuzola Sikeleni, died while her daughter remains in custody at Bizzah Makhate Correctional Services in the Free State, where she is awaiting trial.
She was arrested in April 2023 in Arusha, Tanzania, alongside her then partner, convicted murderer and rapist Thabo Bester.
She is accused of assisting Bester to escape from prison in May 2022 after faking his death in a prison cell fire. They have been in custody since their arrest.
Nandipha Magudumana's parents Zolile Sikeleni and Nokuzola Sikeleni during the Netflix docuseries, "Beauty And The Bester".
Image: Supplied
Magudumana’s father, Zolile Sikeleni, confirmed to Sunday World that funeral arrangements are underway. He expressed grief over his wife’s passing, noting the difficulty of the situation as their daughter remains incarcerated.
Her legal representative, Machini Motloung, told the publication he has taken steps to ensure that Magudumana receives psychological support during the period of mourning. He also called on authorities to keep her informed about developments related to her mother’s death and funeral arrangements.
Department of Correctional Services (DCS) spokesperson Singabakho Nxumalo said Magudumana may be eligible to apply for compassionate leave to attend the funeral.
Nxumalo said the DCS assists offenders who experience bereavement in their immediate family by allowing them to apply for temporary release.
He explained the legal framework surrounding such requests: “In terms of the Correctional Services Act, 1998 (Act No. 111 of 1998), Section 44(1)(a) provides that a sentenced offender may, subject to prescribed conditions, be allowed to leave the correctional centre for a period determined by the National Commissioner in order to maintain family ties or for other humane purposes.”
Nxumalo further explained that each application for compassionate leave is assessed meticulously, taking into consideration various factors, including the offender’s risk classification, security concerns, behavioural record, and the nature of the bereavement.
He said the process is designed to uphold humane treatment while ensuring the safety and security of both the correctional system and the broader community.