Jailed Nandipha Magudumana May Attend Mother’s Funeral Under Compassionate Leave
There may be hope for jailed celebrity doctor Nandipha Magudumana after authorities confirmed that compassionate leave could be considered to allow her to attend her mother’s funeral following her death on Thursday, 27 March 2026, while Magudumana remains incarcerated awaiting trial.
The development comes as Magudumana, who is being held at Bizzah Makhate Correctional Centre in Kroonstad, Free State, mourns the passing of her mother, Nokuzola Sikeleni, who died in Port Shepstone, KwaZulu-Natal.
Family members confirmed that the jailed doctor was informed about the tragic news by prison officials and social workers.
Family Hoping She Will Attend Funeral
Magudumana’s brother, Nkosinathi Sikeleni, said the news came as a shock and that the family is now hoping authorities will allow her to attend the funeral.
“Nandipha was informed by the prison bosses and social workers about our mother’s passing, and she was taken aback when she heard the news. She is trying to come to terms with the loss of our mother, and we are hoping that she will be strong even though it is painful.”
He confirmed that the family plans to apply for compassionate leave.
“We are also going to apply for her to be able to attend the funeral of our mother and we hope that everything that we request could be granted.”
Magudumana’s father, Zolile Sikeleni, also confirmed that funeral arrangements are underway.
“I am not going to say much as I am currently busy with funeral arrangements for my wife.”
A close family friend also expressed hope that authorities would grant compassionate leave.
“It is sad to be incarcerated and fail to bury your loved ones. I am hoping that the department could relax some of the laws and allow her to go bury her mother. That will be the best thing the department could do for Nandipha.”
Compassionate Leave Explained
Department of Correctional Services spokesperson Singabakho Nxumalo confirmed that offenders may apply for compassionate leave in cases of bereavement.
“In terms of the Correctional Services Act, 1998 (Act No. 111 of 1998), Section 44(1)(a) provides that a sentenced offender may, subject to prescribed conditions, be allowed to leave the correctional centre for a period determined by the national commissioner in order to maintain family ties or for other humane purposes.”
Nxumalo explained that applications are assessed individually.
“Offenders who experience bereavement in their immediate family may apply for temporary release through the head of the correctional centre. Each application is assessed on its merits against established criteria, including the offender’s risk classification, security considerations, behavioural profile, and the nature of the circumstances.”
Lawyer Requests Psychological Support
Magudumana’s lawyer, Machini Motloung, confirmed that steps have been taken to ensure she receives support during this difficult period.
“We have taken steps to ensure that she receives psychological support during this traumatic period and that she is kept informed about developments.”
Magudumana remains in custody after she was arrested alongside convicted murderer and rapist Thabo Bester in Arusha, Tanzania, on 8 April 2023.
She faces 38 charges including fraud, corruption, money laundering, assisting an escape, arson, defeating the ends of justice and harbouring an escaped prisoner.
Authorities have not yet confirmed whether compassionate leave has been formally granted.