Dr Nandipha Magudumana’s legal battle over her arrest and extradition from Tanzania appears to be far from over, as she has taken her challenge of the legality of her arrest to the Constitutional Court after being dismissed by the SCA.
The story and case of Nandipha, a medical doctor who was once highly respected in her field, has been a head-scratching one for members of the public, as they attempt to figure out how she has ended up in the midst of being suspected of aiding and abetting in a series of Thabo Bester’s heinous crimes.
Among various other charges, Nandipha stands accused of helping or facilitating the prison escape of her dangerous lover, Thabo Bester, who was initially locked up for the rape and murder of his then girlfriend Nomfundo Thyulu. After this escape, Nandi fled the country along with her lover to Tanzania, where they were apprehended and later extradited back to South Africa.
Despite public opinion, the couple has challenged the legality of their return to South Africa, deeming it as unlawful. Led by Advocate Anton Katz, the doctor’s legal team has argued that South African and Tanzanian authorities colluded to expedite her without following due processes, including an extradition hearing in a Tanzanian court.
Earlier this May, the Supreme Court of appeal dismissed Nandipha’s appeal against a ruling made by the Free State High Court, which opposed Nandipha’s assertions, upholding that the arrest was indeed lawful.
It appears that Nandipha and her team refuse to accept defeat when it comes to the matter, as they have taken it to the Constitutional Court, where they are hopeful that they will be granted a hearing to present their case.
“Our submission to the Constitutional Court outlines a number of significant points which we believe warrant a full hearing,” Nandipha’s attorney, Advocate Machini Motloung tells Daily Sun.
[BREAKING NEWS] Dr Nandipha Magudumana is set to challenge the SCA majority ruling that her extradition from Tanzania was legal.#Newzroom405 pic.twitter.com/RoTfeSbSNT
— Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) June 2, 2025
According to the aforementioned publication, the National Prosecuting Authority’s (NPA) spokesperson Mthunzi Mhaga revealed that they are ready to oppose this application should the Con Court grant them leave to appeal.
“We will oppose the application because we strongly believe her deportation from Tanzania to South Africa was above board,” Mthunzi states.
