Bester made headlines in a Sunday newspaper with his fraudulent activities when he was dubbed the teen con artist of the northern suburbs. He targeted and scammed wealthy residents by begging for lifts or transport money, claiming he could not afford it and would be late for exams, sports or other school activities. He would be dressed as the perfect scholar with nine honour scrolls and a prefect badge pinned to his blazer. 

According to an interview, André Snyman of e-Blockwatch had with one of his victims, he conned close to 300 people between 2004 and 2006.

The wife of the Carte Blanche presenter and investigating journalist Derek Watts, Belinda, and her businesswoman friend Karen van der Merwe were among the Good Samaritans who were conned between 2004 and 2006. They believed this talented learner and sportsman is in need of support. Van der Merwe was filling up her car at a fuel station in Rivonia, Sandton, when Bester approached her, asking for taxi fees to Midrand. 

She literally went the extra mile and said she’ll go drop him off. During the trip there, he made a good impression on her and indicated that he needed support.

Bester manipulated many people with very believable stories. He told people he was raised by his grandmother in Eikenhof but had no financial support after his grandmother was admitted to the hospital.

Van der Merwe and Watts ended up giving the younger Bester money for the bus to travel to Durban for an athletics championship. He, however, allegedly missed the bus and they booked him a flight to Durban, gave him a cell phone, organised accommodation and gave him money for this athletics championship.

While driving Bester to the airport, Van der Merwe started realising she has been conned. Watts phoned her after she also figured out they were being scammed. Andre Snyman of eblockwatch was contacted to help and he arranged with the police to meet Van der Merwe at the airport. When she and Bester walked to the elevators, they arrested Bester.

However, a couple of days later, Bester was back on the streets in his school blazer, looking to con the next Good Samaritans.

Listen to OFM News’ podcast “Sel 35: Die Thabo Bester-storie” tomorrow to hear how this spree ended in a second citizen’s arrest. To catch up on the episodes, follow https://bit.ly/OFMSel35 

OFM News