Latest news with #NandiphaMagudumana
The South African
12 hours ago
- General
- The South African
NPA to oppose Magudumana's latest bid over her deportation
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) says it will oppose disgraced celebrity doctor Nandipha Magudumana's latest court bid to challenge her deportation from Tanzania. On 16 May, the Supreme Court of Appeal dismissed Magudumana's application to declare her deportation from Tanzania unlawful. Magudumana was arrested with her lover and convicted criminal Thabo Bester in Arusha, Tanzania, in April 2023 after fleeing South Africa. The South African previously reported that in June 2023, Bloemfontein High Court Judge Phillip Loubser dismissed Magudumana's application for her arrest and deportation from Tanzania in April 2023 to be declared unlawful and set aside. Loubser dismissed her application with costs, saying he is not convinced that the case has a prospect of success and that a different court might come to a different conclusion. Magudumana had alleged South African police in Tanzania abducted her and contended that since her arrest was unlawful, the criminal proceedings against her in the Bester escape case were null and void, and she should be released from the Bizzah Makhate Correctional Centre in Kroonstad where she is held. On Friday, 16 May, Supreme Court Justice Tati Makgoka said the matter is dismissed with costs. NPA national spokesperson advocate Mthunzi Mhaga told the SABC that they still have to meet with their legal team and confirmed that they will file an opposition within 10 days. 'We take the view firmly so that the process of deporting Dr Nandipha Magudumana from Tanzania in April 2023 to South Africa was a seamless and above board process. There's no untoward conduct on the part of the team that escorted her. We are very much aware that there was a minority judgement that ruled in her favour, however, the majority judgement is in our favour,' Mhaga said. Magudumana's lawyer, Machini Motloung, also told the SABC that they are confident regarding their latest legal challenge, as they are of the firm view that there are prospects of success in their application for leave to appeal the SCA ruling. Motloung said that another court, in this case, the Constitutional Court, may as well arrive at a different conclusion. 'We will remain confident on the merits of our case,' he said. Regarding his client. Motloung said she remains resolute and confident in the justice system as they are following due processes. 'As I always say, she might be dismayed but not despondent. She's prepared and ready to see that justice ultimately gets done in the case. She firmly believes that there was unlawfulness in the manner in which she was handed over to the South African authorities, and hence she's pursuing this route,' he added. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
19-05-2025
- The South African
SCA Confirms: SAPS didn't abduct Magudumana in Tanzania
The Supreme Court of Appeal was asked to decide whether Dr Nandipha Magudumana was unlawfully arrested and 'abducted' by South African Police Service (SAPS) members in Tanzania, then flown back to Johannesburg. At issue is not only the legality of her removal but also South Africa's jurisdictional reach beyond its borders. Here's how the courts unraveled the facts. Magudumana, a suspect in the high-profile escape of convicted murderer Thabo Bester, fled South Africa and was later located in Tanzania. Magudumana launched an urgent application in the Free State High Court, claiming that on 6 April 2023 she was arrested on Tanzanian soil by SAPS officers, blindfolded and forced onto a Department of Home Affairs aircraft for deportation to South Africa . Had this been true, such cross-border action would have been unlawful under both South African and international law. The High Court found that although Magudumana's deportation resembled an 'extradition dressed up as a deportation,' she had consented to return to care for her children and therefore acquiesced to the process. On appeal, however, the Supreme Court of Appeal (per Zondi DP) focused on pleadings: Magudumana failed to establish that any SAPS member arrested her in Tanzania. Instead, the Tanzanian authorities had detained her for immigration offences, handed her to SA consular officials, and only upon arrival at Lanseria Airport was she formally arrested by SAPS . Accordingly, the appeal was dismissed. This judgment underscores that SAPS may not unilaterally extend its powers into foreign sovereign territory. Any allegation of cross-border arrest must be pleaded with clear factual detail. Moreover, it reaffirms that a court will decide disputed factual versions against the applicant when urgent, final relief is sought. For South African law enforcement, the ruling is a cautionary tale: jurisdictional overreach abroad will not be condoned without explicit legal authority. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
Eyewitness News
17-05-2025
- Politics
- Eyewitness News
NPA ready for ConCourt battle should Magudumana choose to escalate bid for freedom
JOHANNESBURG - The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) said it would be fully armed for a Constitutional Court battle should Dr Nandipha Magudumana choose to escalate her bid for freedom to the apex appeal was dismissed in the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) on Friday, with the majority of the justices rejecting her claim that her deportation from Tanzania was a disguised extradition. ALSO READ: Magudumana remains an accused in Thabo Bester prison escape case after SCA judgment The disgraced doctor was brought back to South African soil in April 2023 after she was captured while on the run with convicted killer Thabo escaped from the Mangaung Prison where he was serving a life lawyers said she had not decided whether to take her bid to the highest court in the the NPA's Mthunzi Mhaga said they were ready. "We are ready to release our legal prowess, our prosecutorial arsenal to make sure they lose at the apex court as well."
The Citizen
16-05-2025
- Politics
- The Citizen
Top 10 stories of the day: SCA dismisses Magudumana appeal
Here's your daily news update for Friday, 16 May 2025: An easy-to-read selection of our top stories. News today includes Dr Nandipha Magudumana's appeal to have her arrest and deportation from Tanzania declared unlawful has failed. Meanwhile, former Democratic Alliance (DA) Member of Parliament (MP) Renaldo Gouws has publicly apologised for his 2010 video, which contained racially offensive and harmful language directed towards black South Africans. Furthermore, National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) boss Shamila Batohi has explained why the state took three years to investigate prosecutors involved in the trial of controversial Nigerian televangelist Timothy Omotoso. Weather tomorrow: 17 May 2025 Persistently high temperatures are forecast over the Northern Cape's Richtersveld Municipality tomorrow, while dry conditions are expect nationwide. Full weather forecast here. Stay up to date with The Citizen – More News, Your Way. Nandipha Magudumana's appeal against deportation dismissed by SCA Dr Nandipha Magudumana's appeal to have her arrest and deportation from Tanzania declared unlawful has failed. The Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) dismissed the appeal on Friday morning and the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) said that it will now focus on the accused's trial. Thabo Bester's co-accused Nandipha Magudumana. Picture: Gallo Images 'The NPA is committed to ensuring that justice is not only done but manifestly seen to be done because of the alleged crimes' impact on the rule of law and the victims,' NPA national spokesperson Mthunzi Mhaga said. CONTINUE READING: Nandipha Magudumana's appeal against deportation dismissed by SCA Sassa offices 'reach capacity for the day'? We have no policy to turn people away, says agency The South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) has acknowledged reports of grant beneficiaries being turned away from its Johannesburg offices this week, but maintains that the issue is not related to capacity constraints. This follows reports from frustrated beneficiaries on Thursday, who claimed they were denied assistance when they arrived at the Sassa offices. Frustrated crowd outside the Sassa office in Johannesburg after they were told to return home on 15 May 2025. Picture: Nigel Sibanda/ The Citizen Several individuals were allegedly told they could not be helped due to a 'quota' system, prompting concerns about the agency's ability to manage the high demand for services. CONTINUE READING: Sassa offices 'reach capacity for the day'? We have no policy to turn people away, says agency Gouws issues apology after SAHRC hate speech complaint settlement over 2010 video Former Democratic Alliance (DA) Member of Parliament (MP) Renaldo Gouws has publicly apologised for his 2010 video, which contained racially offensive and harmful language directed towards black South Africans. Gouws and the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) have reached a settlement in the complaint the commission lodged against the YouTuber-turned-politician before the Equality Court. Democratic Alliance MP Renaldo Gouws. Picture: X/@Am_Blujay The complaint was sparked by a video from March 2010 that resurfaced shortly after he was sworn in as an MP in 2024, where the controversial commentator is heard using multiple racial slurs. CONTINUE READING: Gouws issues apology after SAHRC hate speech complaint settlement over 2010 video WATCH: Elephant chases away police at Kruger Park Wildlife and traffic scattered chaotically when an elephant recently threw a huge tantrum on a road at Kruger National Park. Beryl Venter and her partner got to witness this outburst on video while heading to the park exit between Letaba Camp and Phalaborwa Gate. Elephants in the Kruger National Park. Picture: Sibongumenzi Sibiya/The Citizen Beryl told Latest Sighting that the couple saw 'wild dogs running around and playing in the road, 21 of them', when suddenly an elephant emerged from the bushes and chased the dogs. CONTINUE READING: WATCH: Elephant chases away police at Kruger Park Batohi explains why NPA did not investigate prosecutors in 2021 Omotoso trial National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) boss Shamila Batohi has explained why the state took three years to investigate prosecutors involved in the trial of controversial Nigerian televangelist Timothy Omotoso. Omotoso and his co-accused, Lusanda Solani and Zukiswa Sitho, were acquitted by the Gqeberha High Court of 32 serious charges, including allegations of rape, racketeering and human trafficking, on 2 April. National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP) Shamila Batohi. Picture: Gallo Images / Phill Magakoe Judge Irma Schoeman said the state had failed to prove its case beyond reasonable doubt. CONTINUE READING: Batohi explains why NPA did not investigate prosecutors in 2021 Omotoso trial Here are five more stories of the day: Yesterday's News recap READ HERE: Cornal Hendricks remembered | 8 000 healthcare workers lose jobs | Will Trump embarrass SA?
News24
16-05-2025
- Politics
- News24
Ramaphosa to meet Trump; Magudumana's legal loss: Today's top 7 stories in 7 minutes
News24 brings you the top stories of the day, summarised into neat little packages. Read through quickly or listen to the articles via our customised text-to-speech feature. What Ramaphosa will tell Trump when they meet on Wednesday President Ramaphosa will meet with President Trump at the White House to reset SA-US relations, aiming to counter claims of Afrikaner genocide and focus on broader bilateral benefits. Key discussion points will include trade relations under AGOA, the conflict in Ukraine, and the Israeli-Gaza issue, with Ramaphosa emphasising South Africa's peaceful approach and support for a two-state solution. South Africa hopes to strengthen its mutually beneficial relationship with the US, highlighting US companies' investments in South Africa and South Africa's critical mineral resources. Nandipha Magudumana loses deportation challenge, NPA prepares for trial Dr Nandipha Magudumana lost her Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) bid to challenge the legality of her deportation from Tanzania. The National Prosecuting Authority aims to proceed with the Thabo Bester escape trial in July 2025, where Magudumana faces 38 counts. Magudumana sought to halt her prosecution, claiming her capture in Tanzania was unconstitutional, though a minority in the SCA ruled in her favour. Afrikaner 'refugees' left due to crime, but were statistically least likely to become victims A group of South Africans, allegedly Afrikaner farmers, have relocated to the USA under the country's refugee programme, citing crime as their reason for leaving. Experts argue that white South Africans are statistically the least likely to be murdered and that the most vulnerable population is poor black people living in townships. A human rights lawyer says it would be difficult for this group to prove they fulfill the requirements of refugee status as set out in the UN Convention. 'Unutterable and racist': Renaldo Gouws apologises, commits to diversity workshops Renaldo Gouws issued an 'unreserved' apology for a racially charged 2010 video after reaching an out-of-court settlement with the SAHRC. Gouws acknowledged the harm caused by his offensive language, retracted accusations against the SAHRC, and committed to attending workshops and diversity sensitisation sessions. The SAHRC welcomed the apology, emphasising its focus on accountability, reconciliation, and social cohesion in resolving such matters. People came out in their numbers to the Wynberg Magistrate's Court for the first appearance of a parolee accused of child Solomons Cape Town child rape accused paroled last year for similar crime A man has been charged with the rape of a 9-year-old girl in Hanover Park, Cape Town. The accused is a convicted sexual offender who was on parole for a similar crime committed in 2005. The man allegedly lured the girl into his house, gave her something to eat that made her drowsy, and then raped her. 'A beacon of light': Respected, loved Cornal Hendricks pursued rugby dream after doctor said 'stop' Former Springbok Cornal Hendricks tragically passed away at 37 due to a heart condition, despite overcoming initial medical warnings to continue his rugby career. Hendricks, known as a 'beacon of light' in Wellington, inspired his community by returning to club rugby after professional setbacks and demonstrating resilience despite socio-economic challenges. Hendricks is remembered for his contributions both on and off the field, with his legacy as a role model and community activist firmly cemented in South African rugby. Helen Zille at her Showmax Glamour, laughs and savage jabs: The roast of Helen Zille hit all the right spots The Showmax Roast of Helen Zille, filmed on 2 May and premiering 16 May, featured a star-studded lineup of comedians, politicians, and entertainers. Memorable moments included Patricia de Lille's stage tumble, Mel Viljoen's Swarovski-covered outfit, and jokes about Londie London's past and Sizwe Mpofu-Walsh's family. The panel, hosted by Tumi Morake and Trevor Gumbi, included Loyiso Gola, Bongani Bingwa, Rian van Heerden, Zwai Bala, Mel Viljoen, Londie London, Sizwe Mpofu-Walsh, JJ Tabane, and a virtual appearance by Coconut Kelz. Show Comments ()
