Nandipha Maguduman’s recent court appearance has left many South Africans questioning how and why she gave up her glamorous and successful life – and her marriage – to embark on a criminal spree with fellow-accused, Thabo Bester.
The alleged couple are currently facing charges of orchestrating his 2022 prison escape, defrauding the public, and violating multiple bodies. They appeared at the Free State High Court for a pre-trial hearing, which has been postponed to 19 September.
Their trial is set to begin on 10 November at the Bloemfontein High Court.
WHERE IS NANDIPHA MAGUDUMANA’S HUSBAND?
With all eyes on Nandipha, many want to know where her other half, Mr Magudumana, is.
Despite being a married woman, the celebrity aesthetics doctor allegedly embarked on an affair with Thabo Bester while he was behind bars for a rape and murder conviction in 2012.
At the time, Nandipha was married to Mkhuseli Magudumana, who is a paediatric medical doctor. The former couple shares two daughters together: Ayana and Aziza.
But according to an affidavit, Nandipha claimed she was Bester’s “customary wife.” In a tweet posted following her arrest, former friend Redi Tlhabi claims the couple divorced in 2022. However, conflicting reports claim that Nandipha is still legally married to Mkhuseli Magudumana, who has kept a low profile since her arrest.
Images via Instagram:
@drnandi/ Showmax
In Nandipha’s 2024 bail application, she revealed that she is currently separated from her husband.
In a sworn statement, Nandipha claimed that she met Thabo Bester at Wits University in 2006, where he allegedly studied theology. Official reports have revealed that Bester only has a grade 7 education.
Nandipha also claimed that she and Bester began dating in 2017, and he paid lobola for her in 2020.
PLAYING THE SYMPATHY CARD?
While Nandipha Magudumana’s frail appearance has concerned many South Africans, others have claimed that she is merely playing the public empathy card.
Some even insinuated that she was no better than Thabo Bester himself.
In court appearances, Nandipha Magudumana has appeared to read her Bible, pray, and sing, all while under the watchful eye of clicking cameras.
Months after her arrest, the mom-of-two was in tears when her attorney claimed that Thabo Bester had “forced” her to skip the country with her.
In a letter written during Women’s Month, Nandipha also claimed that she was abused by many men in her life, possibly including Bester.
WHY DO YOU THINK NANDIPHA MAGUDUMANA LEFT HER HUSBAND FOR THABO BESTER?
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to060 011 021 1.
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