[WATCH] ‘Blushing’ Nandipha rekindles romance with Thabo Bester?

Nandipha Magudumana and Thabo Bester have fuelled rumours they’ve rekindled their romance after briefly reuniting at the Bloemfontein Magistrates Court on Friday, 19 September. 

Their loved-up appearance comes a week after Netflix released the docuseries Beauty and the Bester.

The duo were part of a group of seven who appeared in court as part of a case management sitting. The accused – who are facing charges of orchestrating Bester’s 2022 prison escape, defrauding the public, and violating multiple bodies – are expected back in court in December.

NANDIPHA MAGUDUMANA AND THABO BESTER FUEL ROMANCE RUMOURS

During the livestream of their court appearance, Nandipha Magudumana, Thabo Bester, and their co-accused reunited in the Bloemfontein Magistrates Court.

Nandipha –  who sported nails and freshly braided hair – wore a black suit with a yellow neck-tie. The celebrity skin doctor complimented her rumoured partner, who wore a black and white Prada jersey and a yellow-framed pair of spectacles.

Nandipha – who is separated from husband Mkhuseli Magudumana – reportedly began seeing Bester when he was imprisoned at the Mangaung Correctional Centre for rape and murder convictions. In 2022, she allegedly helped orchestrate his prison escape.

After the adjournment, the duo spent time happily chatting to each other, a far cry from their previous frosty encounters in court.

According to a few social media users, the body language of the pair, known as “South Africa’s Bonnie and Clyde,” hinted that romance was back on the cards for the on/off couple. While Nandipha seemingly gazed adoringly at her alleged lover, Thabo Bester placed a hand on her shoulder and smiled as he leaned in to hear what she had to say.

Some even claimed that the pair mouthed the words “see you at the back” to each other.

X user @Ngaa_Murombedzi posted: “Nandipha is a gone girl! Leave that level of blushing for behind doors! You are trying to convince us you were a victim, and here you are MELTING”.

 Another, @Mbembiz shared: “I thought this type of love only exists in movies. Nandipha really loves Thabo Bester, yho!”

A third – @BoitumeloThom12 added: “They look like they’re about to kiss”

VICTIM OR PARTNER IN CRIME?

While Nandipha Magudumana appeared “loved-up” in court, she has been accused of manipulating the court by playing on public sympathy.

Many South Africans believe the former hotshot businesswoman has portrayed herself as a victim of Thabo Bester. This includes her alleged antics of praying in court and carrying a Bible. She’s even worn her wedding ring, despite being estranged from her husband.

Last year, the mom-of-two appeared in tears when her attorney claimed that Thabo Bester had “forced” her to skip the country. This, after the public was made aware of his prison escape in early 2023.

In a letter written during Women’s Month, Nandipha also claimed that she was abused by many men in her life, possibly including Bester.

In the Netflix docuseries Beauty and the Bester, Nandipha’s brother, Nkosinathi, hinted that Bester took advantage of his sister’s good nature.

He said, “Thabo Bester…He did this and really didnt care about Nandipha because he had nothing to lose.

“I saw right through him, he is the arrogant person he always was”.

Nkosinathi added that his sister was in a “trance”.

Speaking out for the first time, her father Zolile Magudumana also alluded to Bester “corrupting” his intelligent and successful daughter..