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 BIRTHDAY VIDEO – REMEMBER THIS?
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…
TRIAL: WHEN AND WHERE DOES IT TAKE PLACE?
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.
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.
BEHIND BARS WITH NO CHANCE OF ESCAPE
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.
WHAT DO YOU EXPECT TO SEE HAPPEN DURING THE TRIAL OF THABO BESTER AND NANDIPHA MAGUDUMANA?
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1.
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