A Thabo Bester documentary might be on the way
If there’s one thing that South Africans can agree on, it is that the true-life crime saga surrounding Thabo Bester has all the makings of a gripping documentary. But have streaming services like Netflix and Showmax jumped on the bandwagon on a storyline for the convicted rapist, murderer, and fraudster? ALSO READ: Is Thabo Bester really […]
If there’s one thing that South Africans can agree on, it is that the true-life crime saga surrounding Thabo Bester has all the makings of a gripping documentary.
But have streaming services like Netflix and Showmax jumped on the bandwagon on a storyline for the convicted rapist, murderer, and fraudster?
ALSO READ: Is Thabo Bester really in prison? DA demands DNA tests
Here’s what they’ve had to say…
With hit docu-series like Tinder Swindler and Inventing Anna having becoming streaming sensations, South Africans are demanding that Mzansi’s most daring fraudster Thabo Bester get his own production too.
And local streaming platform Showmax wholeheartedly agrees.
ALSO READ: Second 4GS guard tied to Thabo Bester’s escape in court today
Speaking to The South African, CEO of General Entertainment at MultiChoice Nomsa Philiso said: “I’ve never been asked so many times if we’re making something, and we’ve already received so many submissions we’ve had to do a tender process.”
While nothing official is in the pipeline, Showmax encourages filmmakers to submit proposals via their official portal.
She continued, “Once uploaded, our team will look at it and, if there’s interest, reach out. For documentary pitches, in addition to outlining the story and your credentials, it’s important to be as clear as possible about the access you have to the people closest to the story.”
Showmax has seen an interest in local true-crime thrillers on the back of documentaries like Devilsdorp, Stella Murders, The Last Blue Ride, and Steinheist.
ALSO READ: Living his Best-er life? Thabo Bester dances in jail cell [watch]
Philiso added: “We have a slate of true crime Showmax Originals on the way that are going to raise as many eyebrows as the Thabo Bester story has.”.
Similarly, Netflix had no official plans to turn Bester’s sordid saga into a screen production – yet.
However, spokesperson Theo Nel added: “Personally, think it would make for interesting TV…and with all the details coming out relating to it, there’s definitely a ton of seasons with of content!”.
A BOOK DEAL TOO?
South Africans are also keen to see Thabo Bester’s story be written into a true-crime book.
Some even think that Bester and his co-conspirator Dr Nandipha Magudumana already have plans to pen a bestseller.