Is a South African Rapist Trying to Block His Netflix Documentary?

Thabo Bester, a convicted rapist and murderer from South Africa, is attempting to block Netflix from airing a documentary titled "Beauty and the Bester," which delves into his criminal life and alleged prison escape. His legal team claims the film is defamatory, while Netflix argues it provides a voice for Bester's victims. The High Court's ruling is expected just before the documentary's release.

Last updated: 27 October 2023 (BST)

Key Takeaways

• Thabo Bester is contesting the Netflix documentary "Beauty and the Bester" on grounds of defamation.
• The documentary explores Bester’s criminal history, including his escape from prison.
• Bester’s partner, Nandipha Magudumana, is involved in the legal action against Netflix.
• The High Court will announce a decision shortly before the documentary's scheduled release.
• Bester is currently in custody, facing multiple charges related to his escape.

Background on Thabo Bester

Thabo Bester, often referred to as the "Facebook rapist," gained notoriety for using social media to lure victims. His criminal record includes the rape and murder of his model girlfriend, Nomfundo Tyhulu, for which he was convicted in 2012. Prior to that, he was found guilty of raping and robbing two other women in 2011. Bester's actions not only devastated families but also highlighted the pervasive issue of sexual violence in South Africa.

Allegations of Escape and Faked Death

While serving a life sentence, Bester allegedly escaped from a maximum-security prison in 2022. A fire in the prison led authorities to discover a charred body, which was initially thought to be his. However, it was later revealed that it belonged to another individual, allowing Bester to evade capture for nearly a year. Reports suggest that during his time on the run, he lived under an alias in Johannesburg, aided by his partner, Nandipha Magudumana.

The Court Case Against Netflix

Bester's legal team, led by Advocate Moafrika Wa Maila, argues that the documentary infringes on his right to a fair trial, asserting there is no definitive proof of his escape. The advocate claimed the documentary’s title, "Beauty and the Bester," is designed to portray his client negatively. This court action has drawn significant media attention, especially given the high-profile nature of Bester's case and the ongoing societal issues surrounding sexual violence in South Africa.

Defence from Netflix

In response, Netflix’s legal representative, Advocate Tembeka Ngcukaitobi, defended the documentary, highlighting its role in providing a platform for the voices of Bester's victims. "To silence the film is to silence them again," Ngcukaitobi argued, emphasising the importance of allowing victims to share their stories after years of being unheard.

Implications of the Documentary

The release of "Beauty and the Bester" has broader implications for South African society, particularly in the context of sexual violence. South Africa has one of the highest rates of sexual assault globally, and cases like Bester's often reveal systemic failures in protecting victims and holding perpetrators accountable. The documentary aims to bring these issues to the forefront, potentially spurring public discourse and action.

Upcoming Court Decision

The High Court's decision is anticipated just before the documentary's scheduled release, which adds pressure on the legal proceedings. The outcome could set a precedent for how media portrayals of criminal cases are handled and the balance between freedom of expression and the rights of the accused.

What's Next for Bester and Magudumana?

Currently, both Bester and Magudumana are in custody, awaiting trial on multiple charges, including violations relating to the corpse, defeating the ends of justice, and fraud. Their legal battles are ongoing, and both have yet to enter pleas on the charges against them. As the case unfolds, it will likely continue to attract significant media attention both in South Africa and internationally.

FAQs

What is Thabo Bester known for?

Thabo Bester is known as the "Facebook rapist," having used social media to lure victims. He was convicted of the rape and murder of his girlfriend, among other crimes.

Why is there a court case against Netflix?

Bester's lawyers are attempting to block Netflix from airing the documentary "Beauty and the Bester," claiming it is defamatory and infringes on his right to a fair trial.

What charges are Thabo Bester and Nandipha Magudumana facing?

They face several charges, including violating a corpse, defeating the ends of justice, and fraud, stemming from Bester's alleged escape from prison.

When is the court expected to rule on the Netflix documentary?

The High Court is expected to announce its ruling shortly before the documentary's planned release, adding urgency to the proceedings.

What impact could the documentary have on victims of Thabo Bester?

The documentary aims to provide a platform for Bester's victims to share their stories, which may help raise awareness of sexual violence issues in South Africa.

As the court case unfolds and the documentary approaches its release, it remains to be seen how the legal proceedings and public perception will evolve. The implications of this story extend beyond Bester himself, touching on societal issues that demand attention. How will this case reshape conversations around justice for victims in South Africa? #ThaboBester #Netflix #SouthAfrica