High Court Dismisses Nandipha Magudumana and Thabo Bester’s Bid to Block Netflix Docuseries ‘Beauty and the Bester’
The Pretoria High Court has dismissed an urgent application by Dr. Nandipha Magudumana and her partner, convicted criminal Thabo Bester, seeking to block Netflix’s upcoming docuseries, Beauty and the Bester.
The pair argued that the series could prejudice their pending criminal trial, but the court found no legal basis to halt its release.
However, the Pretoria high court heard that Dr Nandipha Magudumana was paid for the use of her archive material in the Netflix documentary that she was now challenging.
Also Read: Correctional Services Deny Nandipha Magudumana Pregnancy Rumours
Netflix Confirms Premiere
Netflix confirmed the docuseries will premiere this Friday, with a teaser already released online.
True crime enthusiasts can expect a deep dive into the controversial duo’s story, particularly Magudumana’s alleged role in Bester’s 2022 prison escape from Mangaung Correctional Centre.
Focus on Nandipha Magudumana’s Rise and Fall
Beauty and the Bester charts Magudumana’s journey from a celebrated aesthetic doctor to facing serious criminal charges.
Reports allege she aided Bester’s escape, fronted his fraudulent businesses, and even hid him in her Hyde Park residence before the couple fled South Africa in 2023. They were later apprehended in Tanzania.
Judge Rules No Risk to Fair Trial
In her ruling, Judge Sulet Potterill dismissed both applications, stating that the documentary lacked any legal grounds to impede the trial.
“No judge would be influenced by the documentary,” Potterill noted, effectively clearing the way for Netflix to release the series as planned.
Social Media Reacts With Sarcasm and Suspicion
The High Court ruling sparked a wave of online reactions, with many users mocking Magudumana and Bester’s failed legal bid while others expressed excitement that the Netflix docuseries will go ahead as planned. Some even speculated that the court case itself might have served as a publicity boost for the streaming giant.
Here are some the reactions;
@LindA_MniSii;
There was no need for this application. Now she’s bagged another cost order
@DavidMakhu;
This woman is a professional TSOTSI she continues robbing them while incarcerated. Imagine committing a cash heist on NETFLIX while in jail, unbelievable 🤞
@felicia_arnolds;
Yoh, the way I was sitting with the remote in my hand to press play on Netflix.. Now I can watch …. 😂💃😂💃😂💃😂💃
@Jobenation_biz;
Why do I get the feeling Netflix is behind the whole Court story as a promotional gimmick, where did they get the money 🤑 to all of a sudden afford high profile lawyers.