Is Nandipha Magudumana pregnant? Here’s what DCS says
Did Thabo Bester’s partner, Dr Nandipha Magudumana, fall pregnant while in prison? Here’s what we know about the swirling rumours…
The Department of Correctional Services dismissed widespread rumours claiming that Nandipha Magudumana—the woman who went on a criminal spree with Thabo Bester—is pregnant.
Several Facebook posts spread the “fake news.”
Nandipha, a former celebrity skin doctor, faces charges of orchestrating Bester’s 2022 prison escape, defrauding the public, and violating multiple bodies. Their trial will begin on 10 November at the Bloemfontein High Court.
NANDIPHA MAGUDUMANA IS NOT PREGNANT, SAYS DCS
Several Facebook accounts have circulated unverified claims that Nandipha Magudumana is pregnant.
One account, using the name “MaMkhize,” posted that Department of Correctional Services spokesperson Singabakho Nxumalo had confirmed the mother of two was four months into her third pregnancy.
The post read: “He [the spokesperson] added that a senior officer at the correctional centre where Nandipha Magudumana held has been placed on special leave with immediate effect”.
The post added that Thabo Bester was “breathing heavy fire after hearing the news.”
“He is planning to sue the Department of Correctional Services”, the post added.
On X, the official account of DCS rubbished the claim as “fake news.”
WHERE IS CELEBRITY DOCTOR BEING HELD?
Prison authorities are holding Nandipha Magudumana in the hospital division of Bizzah Makhate prison in Kroonstad, Bloemfontein.
Although many people have claimed the celebrity doctor is living the “soft life” in prison, National Commissioner of Correctional Services Makgothi Thobakgale clarified that officials placed her there solely for isolation purposes.
He said during a prison walkabout in 2023: “The purpose is to isolate her, control her movement. To make sure she does not have interaction [with others] or access to cellphones.”
The commissioner claimed that Magudumana is given the same diet as other offenders and no preferential treatment. She does, however, have access to a beauty salon frequented by inmates.
Meanwhile, Thabo Bester – who escaped prison in 2022 – is being held at the Kgosi Mampuru C-Max prison in Pretoria. He is still serving life sentences for his 2011 and 2012 rape and murder convictions, respectively.