‘Full face beat’: Mixed reactions to Dr Nandipha and Thabo Bester’s virtual appearance

It’s said that a positive personal appearance is a fast, effective way to boost self-confidence and overcome anxiety regarding ability or acceptance.

There could be truth to this, when you look at how public perception about Nandipha Magudumana has slightly shifted since she started appearing in court.

Opinions on the actual case have been relegated to the side, with a number of people on social media being impressed or disgusted by how presentable the aesthetics doctor and Thabo Bester looked.

Magudumana was due to appear in court on Tuesday, along with her seven co-accused, including boyfriend Thabo  Bester, for allegedly aiding and abetting the convict’s daring escape from the Mangaung Correctional Centre in May last year.

The couple did not appear physically but virtually due to security concerns.

In yesterday’s virtual appearance Dr Nandipha sat in what seems like a library and had her makeup done.

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One Twitter user questioned if prisoners are allowed to have earrings after seeing Magudumana during her court appearance.

Her neatly done makeup was also something tweeps commented on, puzzled by how someone in prison could look as she has.

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Dr Nandipha and Thabo Bester are prisoners, not paupers

Magudumana’s boyfriend, Bester, also made a virtual appearance at the Bloemfontein Magistrate’s Court and it wasn’t what he said that made the headlines, but the hoodie he wore.

The black Burberry hoodie Bester wore costs $990 (R18 996,27) on the label’s official website.

Some of the hilarious reactions to Bester’s appearance included Sesi Mokgaetje’s tweet saying “Bra Tbose mann he shaved the hair, he is working from home. It’s gonna be an interesting case this one”.

Many have questioned why Bester didn’t appear draped in the orange jumper worn by prisoners.

Even the five people, accused of helping Bester in his jail breakout, appeared in court wearing their regular clothes. But people’s frustration with the case has thrown the spotlight on prisoner rights and what convicts can and cannot do.

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“South Africa has no jails or prisons, these are mere vocational colleges. Cellphones, smart watches, TVs and laptops in every Correctional Centre. Clothing brands/labels are the inmate’s daily attire, whereas in other countries you can only dream of such,” said one Twitter user.

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Department of Correctional Services responds

Speaking to the SABC News about the appearance of the doctor, the Department of Correctional Services explained that those who are accused and haven’t been sentenced have access to their belongings when attending court.

The Department also explained that there are salon services in prison, run by inmates, which are part of training programmes.

“There are accredited skills development programmes in the Correctional Centres that help inmates to acquire skills that will make them employable or self-employed,” said the Department’s spokesperson Singabakho Nxumalo.

But on the correctional services department’s website, it state which items inmates may have in their possession. “Only A-group maximum and medium/minimum category prisoners may be allowed to wear watches/wedding ring/wedding band and jewellery for religious purposes,” it reads on the website.