Nandipha Magudumana’s lawyer, Machini Motloung, is calling for his client to be moved to a different prison cell following an alleged assault over the weekend.
Speaking to eNCA, Motloung revealed that Magudumana had contacted him to report the assault, stating that she was in pain and had sustained bruises. Currently held at the Kroonstad Correctional Centre in the Free State, Magudumana was reportedly attacked by a sangoma and a mentally ill woman.
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Motloung explained that Magudumana had been receiving threats of violence and had reported them to the relevant authorities, but no action had been taken.
The tensions between Magudumana and the other inmates involved in the assault stemmed from singing and prayer sessions within the cell. According to Motloung, previous issues had arisen between Magudumana and these inmates.
Motloung emphasized the need for his client to be placed in a cell where her safety would not be compromised. He also stated his intention to file a complaint with the South African Human Rights Commission to ensure Magudumana’s protection.
Singabakho Nxumalo, the spokesperson for the Department of Correctional Services, stated that they had not yet received any complaints regarding the assault from Magudumana or her legal representatives.
Nxumalo also disputed claims that mentally challenged inmates were housed with other inmates, as they fell under the jurisdiction of the Department of Health.
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Earlier allegations suggested that Magudumana had been assaulted by police while being transported to a court appearance. However, Nxumalo clarified that Magudumana had not been accompanied by police officials during her court proceedings. He further stated that no complaints or medical reports had been filed regarding this matter.
Magudumana is currently a co-accused in the Thabo Bester prison escape case, while Bester himself is being held at the Kgosi Mampuru II Prison in Pretoria.
