Sangoma and mentally-ill inmate accused of assaulting Nandipha Magudumana

Dr Nandipha Magudumana’s lawyer, Machini Motloung, is demanding that she be moved to another prison cell after she was allegedly assaulted over the weekend. Magudumana contacted Motloung to report the assault, stating that she was in pain and had suffered bruises while in custody at the Kroonstad Correctional Centre in the Free State. Motloung claims that Magudumana was allegedly assaulted by a sangoma and a mentally-ill woman, following tensions that had been building up between them.

Motloung stated that Magudumana had been receiving threats of violence and had reported them to the relevant authorities, but no action was taken. The issues between Magudumana and the other inmates involved in the assault reportedly stemmed from singing and prayer sessions in the cell. According to Motloung, the tensions escalated on Sunday when Magudumana was assaulted, prompting him to demand her relocation to a safer cell. He also mentioned his intention to file a complaint with the South African Human Rights Commission to ensure his client’s safety.

The spokesperson for the Department of Correctional Services, Singabakho Nxumalo, stated that they had not received any complaints from Magudumana or her legal representatives regarding the assault. Nxumalo disputed claims that mentally challenged inmates are housed with other inmates, as they are under the jurisdiction of the Department of Health. He also refuted allegations that Magudumana was assaulted by police while en route to a court appearance, stating that she was not escorted by police officials and that no complaints or medical reports were filed.

It was revealed that Magudumana is the co-accused in the Thabo Bester prison escape case, with Bester currently in custody at the Kgosi Mampuru II prison in Pretoria. Motloung’s concern for Magudumana’s safety in prison has sparked a call for her transfer to a cell where her life will not be endangered. The lawyer’s efforts to ensure his client’s well-being highlight the importance of addressing threats of violence and security risks faced by inmates while in custody, and the need for proper investigations and measures to be taken.

The alleged assault on Magudumana raises questions about the safety and security of inmates within the correctional system and emphasizes the importance of addressing grievances and complaints from those in custody. Motloung’s advocacy for his client’s protection and his plans to involve the South African Human Rights Commission underscore the need for accountability and transparency in ensuring the well-being of individuals in detention. The response from the Department of Correctional Services and their denial of receiving any complaints regarding the assault highlights the potential challenges in addressing issues of violence and safety within correctional facilities.