Disgraced South African medical doctor Nandipha Magudumana has alleged that she was assaulted by two inmates over the weekend, leaving her with what her legal representative said was some “serious bruising, pain and suffering”.
Magudumana, who faces charges of aiding and abetting a fugitive, violating a body, and fraud is being held at a correctional facility in Kroonstad in the Free State.
Her lawyer, advocate Machini Motloung said that the attack on Magudumana had been a long time coming.
“This has been coming – she has in the past made another complaint to the internal coordinator. The course of the assault is because of her incessant praying and singing with other inmates,” Motloung said.
He added that as her lawyers, they were worried about Magudumana’s safety.
“We will lay a complaint with the Human Rights Commission; her safety is of serious concern at the moment. She continues to be placed in a cell with mentally challenged, drug addicted and physically bedridden inmates,” he said.
Spokesperson for the Department of Correctional Services, Singabakho Nxumalo, confirmed the incident was under investigation.
“The department is investigating the circumstances following what was said to be a prayer meeting in a different cell from Magudumana’s. Reports of an alleged altercation and a push against the grills can be confirmed on Saturday, 16 March 2024.
“Officials advised Magudumana to open a criminal case when she reported that she was allegedly assaulted but she opted to discuss it with her lawyers first,” Nxumalo said.
However, Nxumalo said an inspection by the department’s own health officials had not revealed any injuries on Magudumana.
