Netflix has finally released Beauty and the Bester, a gripping South African documentary that unpacks the crimes, escape, and eventual capture of Thabo Bester and his partner, Dr. Nandipha Magudumana. The series premiered on September 12, 2025, despite an urgent court bid to stop its release.
The Story of Thabo Bester
Thabo Bester, often called the “Facebook Rapist,” was convicted in 2012 for rape and murder. However, in May 2022, he shocked the nation by escaping Mangaung Maximum Security Prison. He staged his own death by setting a fire in his cell, leaving a burnt body that authorities first believed was his.
After his escape, Bester lived under false identities. Alongside Magudumana, he reportedly ran luxury scams, operated fake businesses, and continued evading the law. Their double life unraveled in April 2023 when police arrested them in Arusha, Tanzania. Both were deported back to South Africa.
The Allegations Against Magudumana
The documentary also explores the role of Dr. Nandipha Magudumana. Allegedly, she assisted Bester in his escape, claimed bodies under false pretenses, and used her medical background as cover for fraudulent activities. Critics say her involvement highlights how far Bester’s network extended.
Court Drama Before Release
Significantly, Bester and Magudumana filed urgent applications to block the documentary. They argued that it violated their right to a fair trial, dignity, and the presumption of innocence. Yet, on September 12, the Gauteng High Court dismissed their case. The judge ruled that much of the material was already public knowledge.
With its bold storytelling, Beauty and the Bester exposes one of South Africa’s most shocking prison breaks. Furthermore, it examines how love, manipulation, and crime collided in a scandal that rocked the nation. Most importantly, it forces audiences to ask how such an escape could happen in a maximum-security facility.
What’s Next?
Bester and Magudumana remain in custody, facing multiple charges, including fraud, murder, and prison escape. Their trial in the Bloemfontein High Court is expected to draw intense media attention. Until then, the Netflix series keeps the spotlight on a case that continues to fascinate and horrify viewers worldwide.
