Court rules in favour of Showmax airing ‘Tracking Thabo Bester’ documentary
Thabo Bester, a convicted rapist and killer, and Dr. Nandipha Magudumana submitted an application to have the documentary, “Tracking Thabo Bester” cancelled but Judge Stuart Wilson dismissed it.
Bester and Magudumana are also responsible for covering any associated legal fees. The two attempted to stop the documentary series from broadcasting by seeking legal assistance.
The documentary “Tracking Thabo Bester” was supposed to air early this Friday morning. It includes interviews with the family of Katlego Bereng Mpholo, the man whose burned body was discovered in Cell 35, the cell Bester occupied while incarcerated, as well as with prisoners and prison staff at the Mangaung Correctional Centre.
Bester and Magudumana requested a full copy of the series in correspondence with MultiChoice and Showmax to determine whether there were any issues that would jeopardise their legal rights.
Bester declared that he had not granted permission for any documentary or film based on his life to be produced, released, or used for profit.
In his application, Bester raised concerns about an interview conducted by Nathi Sekeleni, Magudumana’s brother. There were questions over possible remarks made by Sekeleni during his interview.
But Sekeleni provided the court with an affidavit in which he stated that at the time of his interview, he had no knowledge that he would be called as a witness.
Stuart stated in his ruling that the public was interested in learning more about Bester’s escape from detention, including how it was accomplished, the people involved, and what transpired afterwards.
The first two episodes are exclusively available for streaming on Showmax.