Thabo Bester Attempts to Block Release of Netflix Documentary on His Infamous Life

Thabo Bester, one of South Africa's most notorious rapists and murderers, has initiated court proceedings to prevent Netflix from airing a documentary about his life, titled 'Beauty and the Bester.' This documentary is set to delve into his alarming criminal history, including his alleged faked death and escape from prison.

His legal representatives claim the documentary is defamatory, yet Netflix is determined to proceed with its release, championing the narrative as a platform for victims' voices. Bester's partner, celebrity doctor Nandipha Magudumana, who allegedly assisted in his escape, is also involved in the legal efforts to block the documentary.

The High Court is expected to deliver its ruling shortly before the planned release of the series, which will be available to a global audience on Friday.

In 2012, Bester was convicted for the rape and murder of his model girlfriend, Nomfundo Tyhulu, after previously being convicted for raping and robbing two other women. He became infamously known as the 'Facebook rapist' for using the social media platform to lure his victims.

While serving a life sentence, Bester reportedly escaped from a maximum-security prison in 2022. This was during a fire that resulted in the discovery of a body initially believed to be his but later identified as someone else's. Bester remained undetected for a year, supposedly living under an alias in Johannesburg, until he and Magudumana were arrested in Tanzania in April 2023.

Currently, they are in custody awaiting trial on several charges, including disturbing the peace, defeating the ends of justice, and fraud. They have yet to enter a plea regarding these charges.

Bester's lawyer, Advocate Moafrika Wa Maila, asserted in court that the documentary violates Bester's right to a fair trial, arguing, 'There are many reasons why a person is no longer in prison, such as parole.' He described the documentary as a 'kangaroo court.'

In defense, Netflix's legal counsel, Advocate Tembeka Ngcukaitobi, highlighted the importance of giving victims a voice after years of silence, stating, 'To silence the film is to silence them again.' The sensational nature of Bester's story has captured global attention, particularly given South Africa's concerning rates of sexual violence.

The outcome of the High Court's decision could set a significant precedent in the balance between individual rights and public interest in true-crime storytelling.