Inside Thabo Bester’s scams: Dr Pashy says she paid millions for Oprah connection

Dr Mmerika Ntshani, also known as Dr Pashy, said she was swindled out of millions by the convicted rapist and murderer Thabo Bester and her former celebrity doctor colleague Dr Nandipha Magudumana.

BESTER, MAGUDUMANA DECEPTION

In an interview with SABC News, Dr Pashy said the prospect of working with Oprah, the US media mogul, is how she was allegedly lured into Bester’s web.

Magudumana allegedly introduced Thabo Bester to Dr Pashy as TK Nkwana – one of the many aliases he reportedly used.

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When Bester called Dr Pashy, he said he was TK Nkwana, a South African businessman based in the US. “….he said he had good relationships with the likes of Oprah Winfrey as he was also the part of the team that was organising her coming to SA for the Global Citizens.”

The doctor has opened a case of fraud against Bester and Magudumana. She alleges they took her for millions of rand, but she could not disclose the amount as the matter was under investigation. She added that other doctors allegedly fell victim to Bester and Magudumana.

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“I’m still in consultation with the lawyers in terms of the criminal charge. I laid a criminal case and we are busy with the civil case to try [to] recover the funds. I can confirm that, yes, it’s millions,” she said to SABC News.

HOME AFFAIRS MINISTER APOLOGISED TO DR PASHY

Two of Dr Pashy’s passports were found in Magudumana’s possession when she and Bester were arrested in Tanzania in April.

Recently, the doctor threatened Home Affairs Minister Aaron Motsoaledi with a lawsuit unless withdrew “all defamatory statements and utterances” against her. She also demanded a public apology.

READ: Dr Pashy threatens to sue Minister Motsoaledi for defamation

In an April media briefing, Motsoaledi said Dr Pashy had given contradictory statements about how she lost her passport. The doctor said the statements made during the briefing defamed her.

On Monday, 22 May, during another briefing, Motsoaledi said he accepted that there were no conflicting statements.

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“I, therefore, retract the above statements and subsequent words to that effect. I would like to extend my sincere apology to her in this regard. The statements were based on the information given to me at the time,” said the Home Affairs Minister.

ANOTHER ARREST

On Sunday, 11 June, the South African Police Service (SAPS) arrested a ninth suspect in connection with the Thabo Bester escape.

The 31-year-old man was nabbed in Johannesburg. He is due in court on a charge of assisting an inmate to escape from lawful custody on Tuesday, 13 June.

READ: Thabo Bester escape: Police arrest Zimbabwean man in Joburg

The police expect more arrests in the case. Bester escaped from the G4S-managed Mangaung Correctional Centre (MCC) in May 2022 after faking his death.

Eight people have now been arrested for allegedly aiding his escape. All accused persons in the matter are due back in court on 25 June.