Thabo Bester, widely recognized as South Africa’s most infamous con artist, continues to make headlines even while incarcerated. At 38 years old, Bester has claimed that his net worth is approximately R3 billion, though authorities have yet to verify these statements. Most of his financial success allegedly comes from fraudulent businesses and criminal activities, including scams, identity fraud, and high-profile deception.
Who is Thabo Bester?
Early Life and Criminal Beginnings
Born on June 13, 1986, Thabo Bester was involved in fraud and deception from an early age. By 19, he had already been arrested for fraud, setting the stage for a lifetime of criminal activity. He later became known as the “Facebook Rapist” for luring young women with fake modeling jobs before sexually assaulting them.
How Did He Gain Infamy?
In 2012, Bester was convicted of rape and murder, leading to a life sentence at Mangaung Correctional Center. Despite his imprisonment, he continued to run elaborate scams, creating businesses and even faking his own death in 2022 to escape prison. His one-year run from authorities with his accomplice Dr. Nandipha Magudumana only added to his notoriety.
What Are Thabo Bester’s Sources of Income?
1. Arum Properties – A Fake Construction Business
While on the run, Bester and Magudumana operated Arum Properties, a fraudulent construction company. They scammed millions of rands from customers, promising luxurious real estate projects that were never delivered.
2. 21st Century Media – A Fake Entertainment Empire
Even while in prison, Bester managed to run a media company called 21st Century Media, which he promoted as a top-tier media house.
- He used the alias “Tom Motsepe”, claiming to be a wealthy businessman with shares in Viacom and 20th Century Fox.
- The company’s launch event was hosted at the Hilton Hotel in Sandton, attended by South African celebrities and business figures.
- Nobody realized that “Tom Motsepe” was actually Bester, calling in from prison while wearing a luxury suit and watch.
3. Drug Trade and Underground Deals
Authorities believe that Bester accumulated wealth inside prison through drug dealing and money laundering. He maintained power behind bars by bribing officials and smuggling contraband.
What Assets Does Thabo Bester Own?
Bester claims that the Asset Forfeiture Unit (AFU) seized R3 billion worth of assets. While this has not been verified, reports suggest that his possessions include:
1. Luxury Cars
According to his own statements, Bester owned at least 14 luxury cars, including:
- Mercedes-Maybach GLS600 – R9.5 million
- Bentley Continental GT V8 – R9 million
- Bentley Bentayga W12 – R7 million
2. Bank Accounts
Authorities froze multiple bank accounts linked to Bester, including:
- ABSA Bank: R872 million
- HSBC Bank: R43 million
- NatWest Bank: R253 million
3. Jewelry and Luxury Goods
- Rolex watch collection – Worth over R10 million
- Marriage ring – Valued at R350,000
- Tom Ford sunglasses – R9,500
- HP Laptop – R41,000
- Louis Vuitton Laptop Bag – R51,000
4. Foreign Cash Reserves
Bester allegedly had large sums of foreign currency, including:
- 100,000 Swiss Francs
- 500,000 Euros
- 7.2 million Tanzanian Shillings
- 1.4 million Zambian Kwacha
- R295,000 in cash
How Did Thabo Bester Escape from Prison?
The Fake Death Plot
In May 2022, Bester orchestrated his escape from prison by faking his own death. The plan involved:
- A body swap – A burned corpse was placed in Bester’s prison cell, leading officials to believe he had died.
- A bribed prison staff – Security officers were reportedly paid off to help him flee.
- An elaborate cover-up – Authorities initially closed the case, assuming that Bester was dead.
The One-Year Manhunt
For over a year, Bester and Magudumana lived lavishly, staying in luxury hotels and rental homes across Sandton and Hyde Park. They were finally captured in Tanzania in April 2023 and extradited back to South Africa.
Is Thabo Bester Really Worth R3 Billion?
Bester claimed his net worth was R3 billion, but this figure remains highly questionable.
Arguments Supporting His Claims:
- He successfully scammed wealthy clients out of millions.
- He was involved in high-profile fraudulent schemes.
- He managed to run businesses even from inside prison, indicating significant wealth.
Arguments Against His Claims:
- No verified records confirm his actual assets.
- Authorities seized and froze most of his funds.
- His wealth was built entirely on fraud, meaning much of it was lost upon exposure.
What is Thabo Bester’s Current Status in 2025?
As of 2025, Bester remains in prison, facing multiple charges, including:
- Fraud and identity theft
- Murder and sexual assault
- Escape from lawful custody
- Money laundering
He is currently under maximum security watch, with restricted privileges due to his high escape risk.
Conclusion
Thabo Bester’s life is a cautionary tale of crime, deception, and fraud. Despite his claims of R3 billion in assets, much of his wealth is either unverified or seized by authorities. His criminal empire, built on scams and deceit, ultimately led to his downfall.
Though he once lived a luxurious life, he now faces life behind bars, proving that crime doesn’t pay in the long run.
