Nkosinathi Sekeleni, the brother of controversial figure Dr Nandipha Magudumana, has once again placed the family in the national spotlight after being arrested and charged with attempted murder. The businessman, who previously appeared in Showmax’s documentary *Tracking Thabo Bester*, was taken into custody following a violent incident that reportedly occurred over the weekend.
According to reports, the incident took place on Saturday, 7 February 2026, when Sekeleni allegedly assaulted another man during what he claims was a robbery attempt. Details surrounding the confrontation remain limited, but authorities have confirmed that the victim sustained serious injuries and is still fighting for his life in hospital. Initially, the case was registered as assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm. However, as the victim’s condition worsened, the charge was upgraded to attempted murder.
Sekeleni appeared before the Randburg Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 9 February 2026, alongside two other accused men who are also linked to the incident. The court heard that all three suspects were released on a warning while investigations continue. They are expected to return to court in March, when the matter will be revisited and further details presented.
This is not the first time Sekeleni has drawn public attention. He previously made headlines after appearing in interviews connected to the *Tracking Thabo Bester* documentary, which explored the dramatic prison escape involving convicted murderer Thabo Bester and Dr Nandipha Magudumana. At the time, reports surfaced that Showmax had paid Sekeleni for exclusive interviews, a move that sparked debate online about whether family members should profit from such high-profile criminal cases.
The latest arrest has reignited intense discussion on social media, with many South Africans expressing shock, frustration, and even anger. Some users questioned why the Magudumana family continues to be linked to serious criminal cases, while others argued that each individual should be judged on their own actions rather than family ties. A number of commentators placed blame on parenting, claiming that the family’s repeated brushes with the law point to deeper issues. Others urged the public to allow the justice system to do its work before rushing to conclusions.
The case has also caused Dr Nandipha Magudumana’s name to trend again online, despite her already facing her own legal battles related to the Thabo Bester saga. For many South Africans, the situation feels like yet another chapter in a long-running and troubling story surrounding the family.
Adding to the drama, entertainment commentator Nota Baloyi previously shared alleged screenshots of threatening messages he claimed were sent by Sekeleni, after Baloyi publicly criticised Dr Nandipha and suggested she should not be granted bail. Those messages, which circulated widely online, painted a picture of rising tensions and further fuelled public interest in the family’s controversies.
As the investigation continues, all eyes will be on the courts to determine what truly happened and whether the attempted murder charge will stand. For now, the incident serves as another reminder of how closely public figures and their families are scrutinised—and how quickly private disputes can become national talking points in South Africa’s social media-driven news cycle.
About the Author
