Pearl Thusi is set to break her silence on her chilling encounter with convicted criminal Thabo Bester in Netflix’s upcoming docuseries, Beauty and The Bester.
The South African actress and TV personality, known for her resilience and charm, recalls surviving a terrifying attack by the man infamously called the “Facebook Rapist” more than a decade ago.
The docuseries promises to dive deep into Bester’s criminal activities and personal connections, offering Pearl a platform to share her story for the first time on screen.
Netflix Docuseries Explores Crime and Celebrity Ties
Netflix recently released the trailer for Beauty and The Bester, a three-part series set to premiere on 12 September.
The show explores the relationship between Thabo Bester and his accomplice, Nandipha Magudumana, as well as their string of crimes.
The series features exclusive interviews, including one with Nandipha’s father, Zolile Sekeleni, who faces criminal charges alongside the duo.
Celebrity voices such as radio personality Penny Lebyane, who frequented Nandipha’s Sandton aesthetics clinic, also appear, highlighting the surprising intersections between high-profile individuals and Bester’s criminal network.
After orchestrating his 2022 prison escape from Mangaung Correctional Centre, Nandipha reportedly hid Bester in her Hyde Park mansion before the couple fled South Africa.
They were arrested in Tanzania in 2023.
Pearl Thusi’s Close Encounter with Thabo Bester
Back in 2012, following Bester’s sentencing for murdering his girlfriend Nomfundo Tiyhulu and raping multiple women, Pearl made headlines by revealing her own terrifying encounter with him.
In a police affidavit, she described how she “negotiated” with Bester while he was inside her car.
Though he took her two cell phones, Pearl pleaded with him not to take her laptop, which held precious photos of her daughter.
“I offered him help that would be better than stealing,” she recalled.
She even offered him counseling through her church and tried to appeal to him to build a better future.
At one point, Pearl handed him a Bible with a personal message and introduced him to musician-turned-preacher Kabelo Mabalane, driving to Sandton in the process.
Remarkably, Pearl escaped unharmed, later learning from news reports and social media about Bester’s extensive crimes.
A Wider Discussion on Celebrities and Bester
Thabo Bester’s connections to public figures have sparked conversations about the surprising intersections between celebrities and criminals.
Pearl Thusi’s story adds a deeply personal perspective, highlighting her bravery and quick thinking during a life-threatening situation.
Fans and readers are encouraged to share their thoughts on whether Pearl was one of many high-profile individuals who crossed paths with Bester, continuing the dialogue about celebrity safety and criminal influence.
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