THE Supreme Court of Appeal has dismissed Dr Nandipha Magudumana’s deportation appeal.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has welcomed this judgment.

The ruling was made on Friday, 16 May.

In June 2023, Dr Magudumana filed an urgent application in the Free State High Court to challenge her arrest and subsequent deportation from the Republic of Tanzania to South Africa.

She sought to have it declared unlawful and set aside.

However, the High Court dismissed her application with costs.

The NPA, the South African Police Service, and the Department of Home Affairs argued that Magudumana voluntarily requested to return to South Africa to see her kids.

The Supreme Court of Appeal subsequently dismissed Magudumana’s appeal.

NPA spokesman Advocate Mthunzi Mhaga said the prosecution team will now focus on ensuring the trial is scheduled to proceed from 21 July to 19 September 2025 in the Free State High Court, Bloemfontein, without any unreasonable delays.

“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,” said Mhaga.

Magudumana and her co-accused, including her controversial boyfriend, Thabo Bester, are facing 38 charges ranging from fraud, corruption, money laundering, assisting an inmate to escape from custody, violation of the dead body, arson, and defeating the ends of justice.

She allegedly played a significant role in Bester’s escape from Magaung Correctional facility under G4S security.

The dead body of a man, Katleho Bereng, was recovered in Bester’s cell burnt beyond recognition.

Several G4S security guards have been arrested and made several appearances in court.