By: Natasha Archary
Since their virtual court appearances on Tuesday, 16 May, South Africans were left baffled by the “prison privileges” that both Thabo Bester and Dr Nandipha Magudumana seem to be enjoying.
Bester who appeared before court in a Burberry hoodie which reportedly costs over R18 000, had many questioning why the convicted rapist and murderer was not in prison attire.
Whereas Dr Nandipha looked like she has a personal stylist in prison, with her hair done and with heavy makeup, all glammed up for court.
The doctor looked nothing like she did during her first court appearance, where she hid her face behind a mask and her hoodie.
Instead, the aesthetic practitioner rocked bright pink lipstick, foundation, mascara, blush and bronzer, leading many to believe that she was enjoying life in custody a little too much.
With speculation that the pair are given preferential treatment in prison mounting, the Department of Correctional Services explained that Bester and Dr Nandipha were “well within their rights to dress up and look presentable” for their court appearances.
In a radio interview this week, Correctional Services spokesperson, Singabakho Nxumalo said there are facilities instead every correctional services center in the country that those in custody can make use of.
“There are facilities inside both male and female correctional centers where inmates can go and make use of these services. For instance there are salons where inmates are taught skills, like hairdressing, male grooming, nails and so on.
It’s a cashless facility for those who are convicted and awaiting trial can make use of.”
Correctional Services spokesperson, Singabakho Nxumalo
Nxumalo said the department faced similar questions during the trial of Rosemary Ndlovu, the former cop who was convicted of murdering several members of her family.
Ndlovu, also made appearances in court during her trial with her hair, makeup and nails done.
With regards to the fashionable outfit choices that both Bester and Dr Nandipha have at their disposal, Nxumalo says that all inmates appear in court with civilian clothing.
“In South Africa, when you are appearing in court, you are allowed to do so in civilian clothing. There are no orange jumpsuits like other countries.
You are allowed to wear your private clothes to court, even if you are remanded in custody. You then change after your court appearance back into prison uniform, so everything is above board with Thabo Bester and Dr Nandipha Magudumana and there is no special privileges.”
Dr Nandipha is currently remanded in custody at the Kroonstad female correctional services facility, whilst Thabo Bester is being held at the Kgosi Mampuru maximum security facility in Pretoria.
The two are expected back in court on 20 June.
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