Convicted murderer and rapist Thabo Bester has turned to the courts in an urgent attempt to block the release of Netflix’s much-anticipated documentary Beauty and the Bester. The three-part true-crime series is set to premiere on Friday, but Bester argues that it is defamatory, inaccurate, and a violation of his constitutional rights.
Urgent Court Application
The matter has been placed before the Gauteng High Court in Pretoria, where Judge Sulet Potterill is expected to preside over the case. Bester’s legal representatives will request an interim interdict preventing Netflix from releasing the series while a final ruling on whether the documentary should be permanently blocked is considered.
According to Bester, the series portrays him in a prejudicial light and undermines his right to be presumed innocent until proven guilty. He claims the content includes allegations of a criminal nature not supported by factual evidence. In addition, he maintains that he was denied the opportunity to respond to or dispute the claims presented in the production.
Concerns Over Trial Fairness
Bester, who is currently awaiting trial in the Bloemfontein High Court on multiple charges, including his infamous prison escape, says the documentary could cause “irreparable harm.” His legal team argues that the negative publicity generated by the series could severely impact the fairness of his upcoming trial.
The convicted killer, sometimes referred to as the “Facebook Rapist,” has already been serving a lengthy sentence before orchestrating a daring escape from Mangaung Correctional Centre in 2022. He and his partner, Dr. Nandipha Magudumana, were dramatically arrested in Tanzania in 2023. Both are now in custody facing several charges, including escape, fraud, and defeating the ends of justice.
Netflix’s Position
Despite the looming court challenge, Netflix has gone ahead with a major promotional campaign for Beauty and the Bester. The streaming giant describes the series as an investigative true-crime documentary that uncovers a story of “love, manipulation, and corruption,” culminating in one of South Africa’s most shocking criminal sagas.
The trailer, which was released last month, features never-before-seen footage and exclusive interviews with individuals connected to the case. Among those appearing in the documentary are Magudumana’s father, Zolile Cornelius Sekeleni, television personality Penny Lebyane, and actress Pearl Thusi. Their insights aim to unpack the puzzling and controversial relationship between Bester and Magudumana.
Previous Court Attempts
This is not the first time Bester and Magudumana have tried to block a Netflix production. In 2024, the couple launched a similar urgent application against Tracking Thabo Bester, a documentary that examined his criminal history and escape. Their attempt failed, and the series was released as planned.
Legal experts note that while Bester is entitled to challenge content he believes violates his rights, the courts must also weigh the principles of freedom of expression and the public’s right to information.
Public Fascination
The Bester-Magudumana saga has captured public attention both in South Africa and abroad. Their arrest, escape, and the revelations of alleged corruption within the prison system continue to spark widespread debate.
Whether the court sides with Bester or not, interest in the documentary remains high. If the urgent application fails, Beauty and the Bester will premiere on Friday, promising to reignite public scrutiny of one of the country’s most sensational criminal cases.
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