BLOEMFONTEIN - Nandipha Magudumana’s father says powerful people are responsible for Thabo Bester’s elaborate escape from prison.
He insists Magudumana is being used as a scapegoat.
Magudumana is believed to have been the mastermind behind Bester’s escape from the Mangaung Correctional Centre.
READ: Bester demands cellphone records, President's documents
She allegedly sourced the body that was used as a decoy and set alight in Bester's cell.
Her father, Zolile Sekeleni, is in the dock for allegedly hiring the car that transported the decoy body into the prison.
Sekeleni, who was released on R10,000 bail, says the case has been strenuous for him and his family.
READ: Magudumana's Constitutional Court bid delays Bester escape trial
In court, Magudumana and Bester can be seen chatting, but Sekeleni says she fears Bester in reality.
Sekeleni intends to plead not guilty when the trial begins in July next year.
- eNCA senior reporter Silindelo Masikane reports.