Nandipha Magudumana's family member arrested in brutal assault case
A family member of Dr Nandipha Magudumana is among three suspects arrested by Randburg police in the early hours of Saturday morning for allegedly brutally assaulting a man, accusing him of attempting to rob them.
The relative, whose identity is known to Independent Media, was initially arrested on a charge of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm (GBH).
However, the charge of assault GBH was later upgraded to attempted murder due to the seriousness of the victim’s injuries.
Magudumana, who is currently awaiting trial, is widely known for being implicated in her alleged active role in the Thabo Bester prison escape saga.
A source with intimate knowledge of the matter revealed that the charge was changed to attempted murder as the victim is currently fighting for his life in the hospital.
Members of the Magudumana family have previously spoken out about the media coverage linked to the Bester case, including Nkosinathi Sekeleni.
Sekeleni emerged as a key family voice in documentaries and media reports related to the saga.
He spoke publicly about his sister’s involvement with Bester, describing it as a dramatic and troubling shift from the person the family once knew.
Sekeleni appeared in the Showmax documentary ‘Tracking Thabo Bester’, where he discussed the shock and strain the saga placed on their family.
In the documentary, Sekeleni said he believed his sister had changed dramatically after becoming involved with Bester, attributing her actions to his strong influence and manipulation. He told the docuseries that the family struggled to recognise the person she had become and revealed that he even reached out to her husband during the ordeal, who expressed similar disbelief at her behaviour.
South African Police Service spokesperson Captain Tintswalo Sibeko confirmed the arrest of three suspects, who are expected to make their first court appearance at the Randburg Magistrate’s Court on Monday, February 9, 2026.
“A case of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm (GBH) was opened on Saturday, February 7, 2026. Three suspects have been arrested,” Sibeko said.
lilita.gcwabe@inl.co.za and loyiso.sidimba@inl.co.za