The Netflix docuseries Beauty and the Bester has reignited public interest in one of South Africa’s most audacious criminal escapades.
Amid the controversy, Nandipha Magudumana’s father, Zolile Sekeleni, has broken his silence about his alleged role in the 2022 escape of convicted criminal Thabo Bester.
The three-part series, released on 12 September, gives Sekeleni his first public platform to speak since his arrest in 2023.
Sekeleni Speaks Out for the First Time
The Port Edward resident, who is now 65, is among eight people facing trial for charges including fraud, corruption, aiding an escape, and violating a corpse.
In the series, Sekeleni described the difficult period surrounding Bester’s escape and his own involvement, admitting the experience left him feeling “oppressed” and unsure whether he should blame himself.
He explained, “It was an oppressive period in our lives. I find myself not knowing whether to blame myself.
Why did I go to Johannesburg? Because there are so many high-profile criminals. I was afraid.”
A Father’s Concern Over His Daughter
Sekeleni also reflected on his daughter Nandipha’s relationship with Bester, who at the time was presenting himself as businessman TK Nkwana.
The father described Nandipha as a “brilliant” celebrity skin doctor but claimed she “changed” after meeting Bester.
He warned that his daughter even urged him to leave his home for his own safety, suggesting the family was in danger.
Alleged Role in Bester’s Prison Escape
Sekeleni is accused of playing a part in the elaborate plot that allowed Bester to flee Mangaung Correctional Centre in May 2022.
Authorities claim he drove a vehicle to Bloemfontein, which later transported the body of Katlego Bereng into the prison.
Bereng’s body was reportedly used to stage Bester’s death, clearing the path for the criminal’s escape.
Sekeleni described Bester as a “psychopath” and said, regarding his own arrest, “It was a horrible thing. They said I was helping a prisoner escape.”
Trial Looms on the Horizon
While Sekeleni has shared some insight, he did not go into specifics about how or why he allegedly assisted Bester and Nandipha Magudumana.
These details are expected to emerge in court. The trial for the accused is scheduled to begin on 10 November at the Bloemfontein High Court.
Charges include aiding Bester’s prison escape, defrauding the public, and violating multiple bodies.
Public Reactions Are Divided
Sekeleni’s comments have left viewers debating whether he was a reluctant participant or a willing accomplice.
The question of guilt or innocence remains open, and the public is watching closely as the trial date approaches.