Thabo Bester: The Mastermind Behind a Multi-Million Dollar Scam from Prison

In a shocking revelation, Thabo Bester, a convicted rapist and murderer, has been exposed as the mastermind behind a multi-million rand scam operation while serving a life sentence at the Mangaung Correctional Center.

Bester, who posed as the chairman of a fraudulent event and production company called 21st Century Media, managed to deceive not only local South Africans but also international figures in the entertainment industry.

This elaborate scheme has left many questioning how a prisoner could orchestrate such a vast operation from behind bars, ultimately leading to a scandal that has captivated the nation.

The Rise of 21st Century Media

21st Century Media was designed to appear as a subsidiary of the well-known 21st Century Fox, giving it a veneer of legitimacy.

In 2018, the company became embroiled in controversy when it promoted a Women in Media conference featuring Hollywood A-listers as guest speakers.

However, the event turned out to be a scam, leaving attendees and industry insiders outraged.

The launch of 21st Century Media was a glitzy affair held at the Hilton Hotel in Sandton, attended by Johannesburg’s elite, including celebrities like Amanda du Pont.

During the event, attendees were shown a video call from the supposed chairman, Tom Matsepe, who was actually Bester speaking from his prison cell.

He presented himself in a suit and designer watch, deceiving everyone in attendance.

The Deception Unfolds

The conference, held on Bester’s birthday, June 13, 2018, featured a highlights video that included the audience singing “Happy Birthday” to Tom.

At the time, Bester was serving his life sentence for violent crimes, yet he managed to pull off this elaborate ruse.

GroundUp, an investigative publication, uncovered evidence that Bester had faked his death in a cell fire and escaped from prison in May 2022.

This revelation has led to questions about his ability to run a business from behind bars, as well as the complicity of prison officials.

A Web of Lies

Bester’s alter ego, Tom Matsepe, was carefully crafted with an extensive backstory that included false claims of education and business success.

He presented himself as a South African investment strategist with degrees from prestigious institutions such as the University of Cape Town and Harvard University.

His fabricated profile boasted of ownership stakes in major corporations, including Viacom and 21st Century Fox.

The company was registered in 2018, with Bester using various aliases throughout his criminal career.

His ability to manipulate and persuade others was evident, as he convinced employees to leave their jobs at established media houses to join his fraudulent operation.

The Women in Media Conference Scam

The Women in Media conference was a pivotal moment for 21st Century Media, marking the beginning of its downfall.

Tickets were sold for R1,250 each, with promises of appearances by stars like Halle Berry and Taraji P. Henson.

However, when these celebrities publicly distanced themselves from the event, it triggered a media outcry.

Despite the backlash, Bester and his company continued to deny any wrongdoing, claiming the event was intended to empower women in Africa.

The fallout from the conference severely damaged the company’s credibility, leading to legal action from the real 21st Century Fox and other parties.

The Aftermath

Following the scandal, former employees of 21st Century Media began to piece together the truth about their employer.

Many reported feeling suspicious about Bester’s identity and operations but were initially blinded by the allure of working in the media industry.

Some employees even quit stable jobs to join the company, only to find themselves entangled in a web of deceit.

As the investigation into Bester’s activities unfolded, it became clear that he had ruined lives and careers, leaving a trail of broken trust and lost opportunities.

New Ventures and Continuing Deceit

After the collapse of 21st Century Media, Bester’s accomplice, Tenga, attempted to launch a new group of companies called Luanda.

Initially focused on media services, Luanda has since shifted its focus to minerals and resources.

However, this new venture has also been marred by allegations of scams and failed business ventures, raising further questions about Tenga’s integrity and motivations.

The Role of Prison Officials

One of the most troubling aspects of this entire saga is how Bester managed to conduct such extensive business operations from a maximum-security prison.

Reports indicate that illicit businesses run from prisons are not uncommon in South Africa, often aided by corrupt prison officials.

Bester’s access to a cell phone and the internet, despite regulations prohibiting such privileges, raises serious concerns about the oversight and accountability within the correctional system.

Investigations and Accountability

As investigations continue, the South African Police Service and the Department of Correctional Services have faced mounting pressure to provide answers.

Despite claims of an ongoing investigation, many are frustrated by the lack of transparency and accountability.

Bester’s ability to orchestrate a scam of this magnitude while incarcerated has led to calls for reform within the prison system to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Conclusion: A Cautionary Tale

The Thabo Bester saga serves as a cautionary tale about the vulnerabilities within the criminal justice system and the lengths to which individuals will go to exploit those vulnerabilities.

As the investigation unfolds, it is clear that Bester’s actions have far-reaching implications, not only for his victims but also for the integrity of the media industry and the correctional system as a whole.

This shocking story has captivated South Africa and raised important questions about trust, deception, and the consequences of unchecked ambition.

As authorities work to unravel the full extent of Bester’s scams, the hope is that lessons will be learned to prevent such egregious acts from occurring in the future.

In a world where appearances can be deceiving, the Thabo Bester case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and accountability in all sectors of society.