Court to hear Thabo Bester and Nandipha’s applications against Showmax
Bester and Magudumana approached the High Court, trying to stop the docu-series streaming, saying it could infringe on their Constitutional rights.
MultiChoice has confirmed that the Gauteng High Court in Johannesburg will hear the last-minute applications by convicted criminal Thabo Bester and Dr Nandipha Magadumana to stop Showmax from airing the four-part documentary Tracking Thabo Bester on Friday, 15 March.
Coincidentally, this is the same day the documentary is set to premiere on the streaming service Showmax.
JOHANNESBURG HGH COURT TO HEAR THABO BESTER AND NANDIPHA MAGUDUMANA’S APPLICATIONS
As previously reported by The South African, Bester and Magudumana approached the High Court, trying to stop the docu-series streaming, saying it could infringe on their Constitutional rights.
The two lovers were arrested in Arusha, Tanzania, and were deported to South Africa in April 2023. They are facing charges of fraud, defeating the ends of justice, violating a body, aiding and abetting an inmate to escape from lawful custody, corruption, and arson. They are awaiting trial and have been detained in different correctional centres.
Last week, Bester’s legal representatives slapped Showmax with a letter of demand. They demanded a copy of the docu-series for review before it airs by no later than 14:00 on Saturday, 9 March.
Through his lawyers, Bester argued that he had not granted Showmax, or any person, any rights or authority to produce, distribute, or commercially exploit a documentary or film based upon or taken from his life.
“Our client has not been interviewed by anyone from your company, which undermines the principles of fair journalism. Our client does not know who stands to benefit from your intended activities financially,” – the letter read.
Following the letters of demand, Showmax said it has briefed legal counsel and will vigorously oppose the applications.
Showmax said the allegations against Thabo Bester and Nandipha Magudumana are grave. The streaming service said it firmly believes that it is essential for viewers to have the opportunity to watch the documentary and form their own informed opinions.
“Showmax is of the view that the attempt to stop it from doing so is without any legal merit and breaches the constitutional rights of the public,” the streaming service said.
WHAT IS THE DOCU-SERIES ABOUT?
According to Showmax, Tracking Thabo Bester is four-part investigation into Thabo Bester; why he was called the Facebook rapist and in jail originally. It also explores how a celebrity doctor fell for a convicted criminal and left her children behind to go on the run with him to Tanzania; and who really died in Cell 35.
TRAILER:
— Kgopolo (@PhilMphela) March 4, 2024
Tracking Thabo Bester
Four-part investigation documentary looking into the disappearance and subsequent re-arrest of Thabo Bester, as told by journalists who broke and covered the story.
Produced by IdeaCandy (Devilsdorp, Rosemary’s Hitlist, Steinheist) the doccie… pic.twitter.com/uxeFqFgytW
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