Thabo Bester is a notorious criminal who is also known as the Facebook Rapist. He was convicted of murder, rape, and aggravated robbery in 2012, and sentenced to life imprisonment. He targeted women on social media, lured them with promises of modelling contracts, and then attacked them in hotels. He committed his crimes in at least four provinces in South Africa.
Dr Nandipha Magudumana is a medical doctor who fell in love with Bester while working at the Mangaung Correctional Services in Bloemfontein, where he was incarcerated. She helped him escape from prison on 3 May 2022, by setting fire to his cell and swapping his body with that of another inmate, Katlego Bareng, who died in the blaze. She then fled with him to Tanzania, where they lived as a couple for a month.
Forever yena
Dr Nandipha and Thabo reunited and so cozy in court #ThaboBester pic.twitter.com/b5nO1RTLK0— justshona_ (@28_shona) August 8, 2023
The Capture and Extradition of the Couple
The couple’s escape and romance did not last long, as they were arrested by Tanzanian authorities on 4 June 2022, after a tip-off from Interpol. They were extradited to South Africa on 29 June 2022, and faced charges of escaping from lawful custody, defeating the ends of justice, fraud, and corruption. They also faced additional charges of murder and robbery for the death of Bareng and the theft of his belongings.
The couple was separated after their extradition, and sent to different prisons. Bester was detained at Kgosi Mampuru II C-max prison in Pretoria, while Magudumana was kept in the hospital wing of the Kroonstad Correctional Centre in Free State. They did not see each other for more than a month, until they were reunited in the dock at the Bloemfontein magistrate’s court on Tuesday, 8 August.
[MUST WATCH] #ThaboBester and his lover #DrNandiphaMagudumana reunited in the dock. @Newzroom405 pic.twitter.com/1X9JUrvYA0
— Linda Mnisi (@LindA_MniSii) August 8, 2023
The Court Appearance and Reunion of the Couple
The couple appeared in court along with 10 other co-accused who allegedly assisted them with their escape plan. They included prison officials, police officers, funeral parlour employees, and a Zimbabwean national who helped Magudumana claim Bareng’s body.
The couple was all smiles when they arrived in court on Tuesday, and squeezed themselves between each other and one of the other co-accused. They held hands, chatted, laughed, and looked at each other lovingly. Videos and pictures of their reunion have since gone viral on social media.
The case was postponed to 11 October for further investigation. All the accused except for Bester, Magudumana, and Zanda Moyo are out on bail. Moyo is the Zimbabwean national who was arrested in Johannesburg for his role in the body swap scheme.
The Future of the Couple
The couple faces a long and uncertain future as they await trial for their crimes. They could face more jail time, or even life sentences if convicted. They also face public scrutiny and criticism for their actions.
However, they seem to be unfazed by their situation, and remain loyal and devoted to each other. They have expressed their love for each other in letters and phone calls while they were apart. They have also claimed that they have no regrets for what they did, and that they would do it again if they had the chance.
They have also said that they are not afraid of death, and that they are ready to die together if necessary. They have compared themselves to Romeo and Juliet, the famous star-crossed lovers from Shakespeare’s play.
They have also said that they believe in God, and that they hope for His mercy and forgiveness. They have asked for prayers from their families and friends.
They have also said that they hope for a fair trial, and that they will tell the truth about what happened. They have denied any involvement in Bareng’s death, and said that he died accidentally.
They have also said that they hope for a chance to rebuild their lives after their ordeal, and that they want to use their skills and talents to help others. Bester has said that he wants to be a motivational speaker and a writer, while Magudumana has said that she wants to be a doctor again.
They have also said that they hope to get married someday, and start a family together. They have said that they are soulmates, and that nothing can separate them.
They have also said that they are happy together, and that they are grateful for their love.