Latest news with #ThaboBester
eNCA
42 minutes ago
- eNCA
Katlego Bereng's mother pleads for justice
BLOEMFONTEIN - A grieving mother is desperate to know why her son died, and why his body ended up in Thabo Bester's cell. Katlego Bereng's body was planted in the cell as part of the rapist and murderer's elaborate escape. The NPA dropped charges of murder against the accused in the Bester escape due to insufficient evidence. But Bereng's mother is convinced those in the dock killed her son. The state is alleging that Nandipha Magudumana claimed Bereng's body under false pretences, with the help of Zimbabwean Zanda Moyo. A post-mortem report said Bereng died of unnatural causes. His family hopes the trial will reveal how he died.
The South African
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- The South African
Well-connected? Thabo Bester claims to know these celebs
With his charm and gift of the gab, Thabo Bester has repeatedly deceived the public into believing he was a hotshot businessman. The convicted criminal is also thought to be well-connected to several celebrities and politicians who have directly or indirectly crossed paths with him. Thabo and his co-accused, former girlfriend Nandipha Magudumana and seven others, are facing a slew of charges, including aiding his 2022 prison escape, running fraudulent businesses, and violating multiple bodies. His trial is set to begin on 10 November at the Bloemfontein High Court. In 2023, Thabo Bester was first linked to celebrity aesthetics doctor Nandipha Magudumana. However, his 'contact list' reportedly contains many more prominent names… Through his own admission and via media reports, these celebrities' names have been linked to Thabo Bester… In 2012, a year after his sentencing for rape and murder, Pearl Thusi went public about coming came face to face with the man dubbed the 'Facebook Rapist' in a chilling encounter. In a police affidavit shown to Sunday World , the star revealed how she had survived an attack by the convict. Pearl allegedly introduced Bester to actor Tumisho Masha and later singer-turned-preacher Kabelo Mabalane. Masha later told the media that Thabo Bester was a 'textbook definition of a psychopath'. In a letter written from prison in 2013, Bester claimed he had been 'abandoned' by his celebrity pals and wrote about feeling 'loneliness, rejection, and judgment.' In the letter, Thabo Bester name-dropped a reported friendship with media personality Bonang Matheba. Addressing the star directly, Bester wrote: 'I was the one who believed in you from the days of UJ (University of Johannesburg). Through me, you got your dream job. From that Fiat to Mini, I was with you.' Thabo Bester once claimed to be close friends with Bonang Matheba. Images via YouTube screenshot/ Instagram: @bonang_m He added: 'It's ok because God knows me, and I love you as a sister in God…Bonang, God bless you with more work'. Bonang reportedly clapped back at Bester's wild allegations. She told the media: 'This is bizarre because I don't know him at all.' In investigations published by GroundUp, Thabo Bester ran an elaborate, multi-million rand scam while in prison. Under an alleged accomplice – he registered an event and production company called 21st Century Media in 2018. This, while he was imprisoned at the Magaung Correctional Centre for his murder and rape sentence. The company held a grand launch party at the Hilton Hotel in Sandton, attended by celebs like Amanda du Pont, Yvonne Chaka Chaka, and politician Mzwanele Manyi. Bester – using the alias Tom Motsepe – told his company employees and the public that he was based in New York. He also claimed that he was related to SA billionaire Patrice Motsepe. In a video clip that has since gone viral, Nomzamo Mbatha and Thabile Ngwato were captured singing Happy Birthday to 'Tom,' who was seen laughing via a video link. Following his rearrest in 2023 alongside Nandipha Magudumana, Thabo Bester's name was once again linked to several more high-profile people. On the X platform, actress Simz Ngema and businesswoman Shauwn 'MaMkhize' Mkhize were accused of visiting Bester in prison. Both women vehemently denied the allegations of knowing the criminal. Simphiwe Simz Ngema clapped back at allegations linking her to convicted criminal Thabo Bester. Images via Instagram: @simzngema/ Twitter: @am_blujay The same year, a seemingly Photoshopped image of Bester with former president Jacob Zuma went viral on social media. Ironically, the Jacob Zuma Foundation spokesperson, Mzwanele Manyi – who labelled the image a 'malicious attempt to tarnish the former president' – has been criticised for being duped by Bester years earlier. In 2018, Thabo Bester's fraudulent company, 21st Century Media, posted images of an event titled the 'Women In Media Conference.' The event had a star-studded line-up: Bonang Matheba was booked as the MC, and US actresses Taraji P. Henson, Halle Berry, and singer Ashanti were advertised as speakers. Local actress and media mogul Connie Ferguson and presenter Claire Mawisa were also billed to appear. But things took a turn for the worse when the women were alerted to the scam a month before the event. They have all denied being booked for the event. In 2023, investigative reporter Karen Maughan told Newzroom Afrika that a 'well-known celebrity' was linked to Thabo Bester. She alleged that a 'billionaire' businesswoman had visited Bester at the Mangaung Correctional Centre. 'We've been phoning a number of the people who've been visiting him, and a number of the people he listed as contacts – including a very well-known celebrity, who we know. We've seen her on TV', she said. She added: 'He was receiving visits from a woman who he claims to be this successful billionaire after the start of his relationship with Nandipha, which began in 2017'. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 . Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp , Facebook , X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
3 days ago
- The South African
Thabo Bester gets his day in court: Trial date set
After more than two years of public outrage, intrigue, and international headlines, the trial linked to convicted rapist and murderer Thabo Bester's dramatic 2022 prison escape is officially heading to court. The high-profile case will be heard in the Bloemfontein High Court from 10 November 2025, where Bester and eight remaining co-accused will face a host of serious charges related to the audacious breakout from the Mangaung Correctional Centre, a privately operated prison managed by G4S. The accused face charges including fraud, corruption, assisting an escape, defeating the ends of justice, and desecration of a corpse – all stemming from a plot that saw Bester fake his own death and disappear from custody, only to be recaptured in Tanzania in 2023 alongside his partner, Dr Nandipha Magudumana. In a surprising turn during pre-trial proceedings last Friday, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) withdrew charges against John Masukela, a former G4S employee. The prosecutor, Amanda Bester, offered no explanation for the decision, stating only: 'We can excuse him, and he can go in peace.' Masukela was released without objection from any legal representatives in the courtroom. The escape captivated the country when it was revealed in April 2023 that Thabo Bester had allegedly burned a corpse in his prison cell to fake his death. The story quickly evolved into a national scandal when it emerged he had been running businesses while in hiding, prompting public fury, resignations at G4S, and urgent debates about private prison oversight in South Africa. The case has also drawn intense public scrutiny due to the involvement of Dr Magudumana, a once-celebrated medical professional whose dramatic fall from grace included allegations of corpse smuggling and helping Bester flee the country. With just under five months until the trial begins, legal observers expect a courtroom showdown that could expose deep cracks in South Africa's prison system, security protocols, and accountability measures. The proceedings are likely to involve extensive testimony from correctional officials, forensic experts, and digital crime specialists. The trial is expected to last several weeks and could ultimately define public confidence in law enforcement and judicial transparency in the aftermath of one of the country's most shocking prison scandals. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The Citizen
4 days ago
- Climate
- The Citizen
Top 10 stories of the day: Thabo Bester trial chaos
Here's your daily news update for Tuesday, 17 June 2025: An easy-to-read selection of our top stories. In the news today, it was a chaotic day at the Free State High Court in Bloemfontein as the trial of convicted rapist and murderer Thabo Bester faced yet another delay. Meanwhile, the North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development has confirmed an outbreak of the foot-and-mouth disease in Dr Kenneth Kaunda District. Furthermore, Proteas coach Shukri Conrad and Test captain Temba Bavuma have invited sports fans to celebrate their World Test Championship win with them at a meet and greet on Thursday. Weather tomorrow: 18 June 2025 Weather warnings include damaging waves and winds along the coast, plus a cold weather advisory for inland Western Cape and Northern Cape regions until the weekend. Full weather forecast here. Stay up to date with The Citizen – More News, Your Way. No lawyer, a medical scare and appeals: Thabo Bester trial continues to be stalled It was a chaotic day at the Free State High Court in Bloemfontein as the trial of convicted rapist and murderer Thabo Bester faced yet another delay. Bester and his former girlfriend, Nandipha Magudumana, appeared in court for a pre-trial hearing on Tuesday following several previous postponements. Thabo Bester appears at Bloemfontein High Court on 5 June 2024. Picture: Gallo Images/Mlungisi Louw Their co-accused include Magudumana's father, Zolile Cornelius Sekeleni, and former G4S employees: Senohe Matsoara, Teboho Lipholo, Buti Masukela, Tieho Frans Makhotsa, Zanda Moyo, and Joel Makhetha. As proceedings resumed, Sekeleni informed the court that he had no lawyer after his application to Legal Aid South Africa was rejected. CONTINUE READING: No lawyer, a medical scare and appeals: Thabo Bester trial continues to be stalled The North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development has confirmed an outbreak of the foot-and-mouth disease in Dr Kenneth Kaunda District, specifically in the JB Marks Local Municipality. This comes after South Africa's largest beef producer, Karan Beef, confirmed an outbreak of the disease at its Heidelberg feedlot in the province of Gauteng. Provinces that already have cases include Limpopo, Eastern Cape, Mpumalanga, and KwaZulu-Natal. For illustrative purposes. Picture: iStock FMD is a severe, highly contagious viral disease of livestock that has a significant economic impact. The disease affects cattle, swine, sheep, goats and other cloven-hoofed ruminants. CONTINUE READING: Foot-and-mouth disease outbreak in North West confirmed Proteas invite fans to join in Test final victory celebrations: All the details Proteas coach Shukri Conrad and Test captain Temba Bavuma have invited sports fans to celebrate their World Test Championship win with them at a meet and greet in Sandton on Thursday. The Proteas won the Test final at Lord's last week by beating Australia by five wickets. It was the South African cricket team's first major international victory since they won the Champions Trophy in 1998. The Proteas cricket team will celebrate with their fans on Thursday. Picture: Paul Harding/'This win is not just a celebration of their on-field success, but a tribute to the countless South African fans and former players who have stood by them through every emotional high and testing low,' said CSA in a press release. The celebrations will take place on Thursday at Nelson Mandela Square in Sandton between 1pm and 3pm. CONTINUE READING: Proteas invite fans to join in Test final victory celebrations: All the details Zuma's tirade against Shivambu indicates he is 'no longer useful to him' uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party leader Jacob Zuma launched a scathing but veiled attack against the party's former secretary-general Floyd Shivambu. On Monday, during the party's Youth Day commemorations in Durban, Zuma told supporters that the party would not tolerate indiscipline from its high-ranking members. MK party leader Jacob Zuma. Picture: Gallo Images/Daily Maverick/Felix Dlangamandla Meanwhile, political analyst Sanet Solomon said it is clear that Zuma no longer needs Shivambu. 'Floyd Shivambu's recent character assassination is indicative of the end of his usefulness to Jacob Zuma and the MK party. It further signals the unlikelihood that he would be added to the parliamentary list,' Solomon said. CONTINUE READING: Zuma's tirade against Shivambu indicates he is 'no longer useful to him' Alleged Northdale teacher arrested for running bogus matric school A Northdale man has been arrested on charges of fraud, forgery and uttering, and theft by false pretences after allegedly operating a bogus finishing school that scammed adult students seeking matric qualifications. The students who fell for the scam were unaware that the school was illegal. Picture: Tracy Lee Stark According to the Mi7 National Group, the arrest, which took place on Friday, 13 June, was the result of a multi-intelligence-led operation. The operation was reportedly conducted by Pietermaritzburg Police in collaboration with Mi7 Crime Intelligence & Investigations, the uMgungundlovu District Crime Intelligence unit, Mountain Rise Visible Policing, and the KZN Department of Education. CONTINUE READING: Alleged Northdale teacher arrested for running bogus matric school Here are five more stories of the day: Yesterday's News recap READ HERE: Top 10 stories of the day: Bad weather to hit this week | Murder witness sues police for R2 million | 'Even Donald Trump is scared of the EFF' – Malema
The South African
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The South African
Remember this? Thabo Bester's birthday party had Mzansi fooled
Thabo Bester is celebrating his 39th birthday on Friday, the 13th, an unlucky date on the calendar. Like he did last year, the convicted rapist, murderer, and fraudster is being kept in confinement at the Kgosi Mampuru prison. Just a few years ago, Thabo fooled much of Mzansi with his fraudulent business schemes and countless aliases. He even made a 'guest appearance' at a star-studded party, where the crowd sang him happy birthday! He would later break out of prison to go on the run, 'Bonnie and Clyde' style, with his rumoured girlfriend, Dr Nandipha Magudumana. The former couple and seven others are facing a slew of charges in a trial set to begin next month. Thabo Bester's brazen criminal spree has involved him using multiple fake identities and fronting numerous fraudulent businesses. In 2018, Bester – once dubbed the 'Facebook Rapist' – pulled a fast one on many South Africans, including celebrities, in an event that coincidentally took place on his birthday. With the help of an alleged accomplice, Bester registered an event and production company called 21st Century Media. At the time, Bester was imprisoned in Magaung Correctional Centre in Bloemfontein after being convicted of rape and murder in 2012. Bester – allegedly using the alias Tom Motsepe – told the public that he was based in New York. He also claimed that he was related to SA billionaire Patrice Motsepe. The company held a grand launch party at the Hilton Hotel in Sandton on 13 June 2018 – Bester's real birthday – attended by celebs like Amanda du Pont and Yvonne Chaka Chaka. Leading ladies Nomzamo Mbatha and Thabile Ngwato were MCs of the glamorous black-tie event. In a video clip that has since gone viral, Nomzamo and Thabile sing 'Happy Birthday' to 'Tom,' who is seen laughing via a video link. Take a look… Fast forward to the present, Thabo Bester, Nandipha Magudumana, and seven others are facing charges relating to a wild criminal spree, which includes orchestrating a prison escape, running fraudulent businesses, and violating multiple bodies. Their trial is expected to take place on 21 July at the Bloemfontein High Court. However, ongoing legal proceedings, such as Magudumana's bid to the Constitutional Court to have her arrest and deportation declared unlawful, could possibly delay the trial again. Nandipha Magudumana and Thabo Bester's trial will begin next month. Images via Showmax/ Instagram: @drnandipha In 2022, Thabo Bester faked his death and escaped prison with the help of prison officials and his alleged girlfriend, Nandipha Magudumana. Bester took refuge in Magudumana's Hyde Park home, where he managed to fly under the radar. A few weeks later, he was photographed shopping in a Woolworths store in Sandton. The photo would only make headlines months later when his mysterious disappearance was finally investigated. In 2023, the couple were arrested after they fled the country to Tanzania. Thabo Bester is currently under lock and key at the Kgosi Mampuru prison in Pretoria. Bester is being kept at the C-Max prison – a maximum security division – which will afford him the following… 24-hour surveillance Round-the-clock contact with 'selected high trade correctional officers.' Assurance that he will not be able to harm himself or others Bester has previously been escorted to the prison in a police Nyala – a bullet-proof vehicle of maximum security. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 . Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp , Facebook , X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
