The Department of Correctional Services has dismissed widespread social media claims alleging that jailed former doctor Dr Nandipha Magudumana is pregnant, describing the reports as false and misleading.
The rumours began circulating on various social media platforms after a post claimed that Correctional Services spokesperson Singabakho Nxumalo had allegedly confirmed that Magudumana was four months pregnant. The viral post further alleged that a senior prison official had been placed on special leave and that convicted murderer Thabo Bester was preparing legal action against the department.
However, the Department of Correctional Services has firmly denied the claims.
Speaking on the matter, Nxumalo rejected the allegations and stated that no such information had been confirmed by the department. He described the reports as fake news and urged the public to be cautious when sharing unverified information online.
The false claims spread rapidly across social media, moving from one platform to another and attracting significant public attention before being challenged by authorities.
Magudumana remains in custody at the Bizzah Makhate Correctional Centre while facing charges linked to the dramatic prison escape of convicted rapist and murderer Thabo Bester. Prosecutors allege that she played a key role in helping Bester evade authorities before the pair were eventually arrested in Tanzania and extradited to South Africa.
The department’s response comes amid growing concerns over the spread of misinformation on social media, where unverified reports can quickly gain traction and be mistaken for legitimate news.
Authorities have urged the public to verify information through credible news sources and official government channels before sharing it online.
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