Convicted felon Thabo Bester, like suspected co-conspirator Nandipha Magudumana, has consistently claimed to have a celebrity circle. According to sources, the name of those high-profile individuals is being narrowed down…
The two are scheduled to appear in court again in the coming days on a variety of allegations ranging from murder to fraud to obstructing justice and even escaping prison.
ALSO READ: This is the man who was killed to enable Thabo Bester’s escape
WHO IS FAMOUS FEMALE LINKED TO THABO BESTER?
Thus far, several accomplices – including Nandipha Magudumana – have been linked to Thabo Bester.
However, an flag has been raised about another high-profile person, who Bester claims he essentially had on speed dial. This was revealed by News24 investigative journalist Karyn Maughan who shared her insights with Newzroom Afrika.
ALSO READ: Another Bester Attempt: SA Policeman Arrested Trying To Smuggle Frank Buyanga Out Of Prison
She said: “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 the TV”.
Additionally, Maughn added that Bester would receive prison visits from a prominent female. In 2012, Bester was convicted of rape and murder, and sentenced to life at the Magaung Correctional Centre.
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”.
LEAKED LETTER: CONVICT NAME-DROPPED THESE CELEBS
Meanwhile, Thabo Bester had previously alluded to being abandoned by his celebrity pals in a letter he wrote from prison.
In a leaked letter published by Drum, an imprisoned Bester wrote about feeling “loneliness, rejection, and judgment”. He also reportedly asked for forgiveness from high-profile people, who include Tumisho Masha, Pearl Thusi, and Bonang Matheba.
ALSO READ: I was jailed for a crime I did not commit: Thabo Bester’s letter to best friend unearthed
“I am sorry for hurting and disappointing my friends, but I am disappointed in you so-called friends,” he wrote in the 2013 letter.
Addressing Bonang directly, Bester continued: “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.”
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”.
Bester also-name dropped other celebs, allegedly including actors Tumisho Masha, Pearl Thusi, and Amanda du Pont.
He added: “I am sorry for disappointing you…I pray for you all the time”.
To Pearl, he added: “You are an amazing soul. God opens the door to heaven.”
According to Drum, Bonang reportedly clapped back at Thabo Bester’s wild allegations. She told the publication: “This is bizarre because I don’t know him at all.”
“I don’t even know his real name – I only know him as the ‘Facebook Rapist’ because I read about him and his association with Pearl. I don’t know him from a bar of soap”
BONANG’S LINK TO FACEBOOK RAPIST
In investigations published by GroundUp, Thabo Bester once allegedly ran an elaborate, multi-million rand scam while in prison.
The publication reports that Bester – under an alleged accomplice – registered an event and production company called 21st Century Media in 2018. This, while he was imprisoned in Magaung Correctional Centre.
The company held a grand launch party at Hilton Hotel in Sandton, attended by celebs like Amanda du Pont and Yvonne Chaka Chaka.
Bester – allegedly using the alias Tom Matsepe – told employees that he was based in New York. He also claimed that he was related to SA billionaire Patrice Motsepe.
Through the organisation, Bester facilitatedd a conference called the Women In Media and advertised tickets to the public for R1250.
In 2018 the company 21st Century Media was fake promoting a “Women in Media” conference with Hollywood A-listers as guest speakers, which turned out to be a scam. Tickets were sold for R1,250 each & Hollywood A-listers Halle Berry & Taraji P. Henson were advertised as speakers. pic.twitter.com/RVLLEJQn1K
— The Instigator (@Am_Blujay) March 24, 2023
The company booked Bonang Matheba as the MC and advertised US actresses Taraji P Henson and Halle Berry and singer Ashanti 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 worst when the women were alerted to the scam a month before the event was to take place.
Clearly embarrassed, Bonang issues a statement, withdrawing as host from the event.
My official statement: International Women In Media Conference. #WIMCon2018 pic.twitter.com/eemKFtPzl5
— Bonang Matheba 👑 (@Bonang) August 8, 2018
