By Zainab Ibrahim
When Netflix dropped Beauty and the Bester on September 12, 2025, it wasn’t just another true crime documentary. It was a storm, raw, sensational, and intimate. At the center of the chaos stood two names: Thabo Bester, the convicted murderer and rapist who faked his death and escaped prison, and Dr. Nandipha Magudumana, the glamorous celebrity doctor who left behind her career, her children, and her country for a man many believe she helped flee.
The series was marketed as a modern-day Bonnie and Clyde. But behind the stylish editing and spine-chilling prison footage, the question lingers long after the credits roll:
Was Dr. Nandipha Magudumana a victim of love and manipulation or was she the mastermind beside the monster?
The Doctor and Beater’s Connection
Dr. Nandipha Magudumana was a successful and popular doctor known for her beauty and smart business. Young, beautiful, and brilliant, she ran a trendy aesthetic clinic in Sandton and was often featured in lifestyle magazines. Her Instagram was a gallery of luxury, health tips, and soft-focus selfies. In every way, she embodied the “Beauty” in the docuseries’ title.
Meanwhile Thabo Bester, a convicted predator serving time in Mangaung Correctional Centre. While locked behind bars, he was allegedly running a fake media company, posing as a successful New York-based businessman under the name “Tom Motsepe.” Some reports suggest he was hosting virtual events and attracting investments, all from inside prison walls. The two crossed paths, possibly online, possibly earlier. What we do know is that by the time Bester’s staged prison death made headlines in May 2022, Magudumana was already deeply entangled in his world.
Staging the Death: Fire, Funeral, and Controversy Surrounding Bester’s Alleged Demise
On May 3, 2022, a fire broke out in Thabo Bester’s cell, and a charred body was found and declared to be Bester’s by the prison. Dr. Nandipha Magudumana claimed the body and held a funeral. However, doubts arose as DNA tests reportedly did not match Bester, with investigations suggesting the buried body was actually Katlego Bereng, an unrelated missing man. Allegations surfaced that Magudumana assisted in retrieving corpses to stage Bester’s death, displaying behavior inconsistent with grieving a lover and pointing to deeper involvement. Her defense later argued she was under Bester’s influence during these events.
The Escape and the Escape Plan
By late 2022, Bester and Magudumana were allegedly living large under new names, renting mansions in Johannesburg, shopping at Woolworths, and continuing to run businesses, When investigators caught wind, the couple went on the run. In April 2023, they were arrested in Tanzania with fake passports, wigs, and a bag full of cash.
This is where Netflix’s documentary digs deep, using interviews, CCTV footage, and archival material to reconstruct a chilling yet fascinating escape, but one that clearly required help. A lot of help. The real question is, was Dr. Nandipha just along for the ride?
Victim or Accomplice? The Complex Truth About Dr. Magudumana
Dr. Nandipha Magudumana’s involvement with Thabo Bester sparks debate over whether she was a victim or an accomplice. Some believe she was emotionally manipulated and controlled by a charming but dangerous criminal, possibly acting out of fear or love. Others argue she actively helped Bester by signing documents, aiding his escape, and enjoying a luxurious life with him afterward. The truth likely lies somewhere in between, she may have been both manipulated and willing to break the law. Her trial is ongoing, and while she clearly made choices, whether they were made under pressure or with full intent remains unknown. The story highlights how complex human behavior can blur the lines between victimhood and guilt.
