Thabo Bester, one of South Africa's most notorious rapists and murderers, is making efforts to stop Netflix from broadcasting a documentary about his life, including details of his alleged death faking and prison escape. His legal team argues that the documentary titled 'Beauty and the Bester' defames him. In contrast, Netflix defends its intentions, claiming the three-part series offers victims an essential platform to be heard.
Bester’s partner, Nandipha Magudumana, who allegedly aided his escape, is also involved in the court proceedings. The High Court is anticipated to issue a ruling just before the documentary is set to reach viewers globally on Friday.
Bester was convicted in 2012 for the murder and rape of his girlfriend, Nomfundo Tyhulu, and had earlier been found guilty of raping other women, earning him the moniker 'Facebook rapist' for luring victims through the social media platform. He escaped from a maximum-security prison in 2022, after which a body found in a fire was initially thought to be his but later identified as someone else.
Living under a false identity in Johannesburg for nearly a year, Bester and Magudumana were apprehended in Tanzania in April 2023. They are now awaiting trial on multiple charges, including violating a corpse and fraud, without having submitted pleas yet.
Bester’s legal representative contends that the documentary infringes on his right to a fair trial, asserting that there is no definitive proof of his escape and labeling the production a 'kangaroo court.' Meanwhile, Netflix's stance is that the documentary gives voice to Bester’s victims, who have long remained silent about their experiences.
This case has generated considerable media attention due to Bester’s shocking criminal history and the high rates of sexual assault throughout South Africa.
Bester’s partner, Nandipha Magudumana, who allegedly aided his escape, is also involved in the court proceedings. The High Court is anticipated to issue a ruling just before the documentary is set to reach viewers globally on Friday.
Bester was convicted in 2012 for the murder and rape of his girlfriend, Nomfundo Tyhulu, and had earlier been found guilty of raping other women, earning him the moniker 'Facebook rapist' for luring victims through the social media platform. He escaped from a maximum-security prison in 2022, after which a body found in a fire was initially thought to be his but later identified as someone else.
Living under a false identity in Johannesburg for nearly a year, Bester and Magudumana were apprehended in Tanzania in April 2023. They are now awaiting trial on multiple charges, including violating a corpse and fraud, without having submitted pleas yet.
Bester’s legal representative contends that the documentary infringes on his right to a fair trial, asserting that there is no definitive proof of his escape and labeling the production a 'kangaroo court.' Meanwhile, Netflix's stance is that the documentary gives voice to Bester’s victims, who have long remained silent about their experiences.
This case has generated considerable media attention due to Bester’s shocking criminal history and the high rates of sexual assault throughout South Africa.
