By Ntombi Mhlongo
South African celebrity Simphiwe Ngema has come out to address allegations that she visited convicted Facebook rapist Thabo Bester in prison.
Ngema is an actress, presenter, reality TV star, musician, businesswoman and choreographer. She is best known for depicting the character of Thuli Nkosi on South Africa’s most-watched soapie, Muvhango and has also had roles in other television shows and soapies such as The Queen, Bone of My Bones, Broken Vows, Isidingo and Greed and Desire.
Following rumours posted on various social media platforms to the effect that she visited Bester while he was serving his life term at the Mangaung Correctional Centre, the actress has released a statement stating her side of the story.
Read More: Two more arrests in the Thabo Bester case
In the statement, she explained that Bester was working in the entertainment industry and introduced himself as TK Motsepe and that it was how they made contact. Elaborating, the actress said Bester seemed well-connected and was able to organise meetings and big events which she and other many public figures were booked for.
A lawyer tells me that Simphiwe Ngema’s statement about visiting Thabo Bester in prison was ill-advised. She has now deleted the statement … #ThaboBester pic.twitter.com/sMaMIPBoeX
— Aldrin Sampear (@AldrinSampear) May 3, 2023
“Till this day, I was never paid for some of the events that I was booked for by 21st Century. In 2018, I went to the prison to demand answers, it was a difficult time in my life and he owed me money,” she explained.
She highlighted that she has been extremely open about everything to those that have been investigating and has nothing to hide. Also, she said she was not the person who would visit the convicted Bester regularly nor was she the last person to visit before his escape.
Read More: South Africa added to grey list
“This was five years ago, and I have supporting documents at my disposal that prove I had only visited on one occasion which is April 5, 2018”.
Furthermore, the actress advised the media to stop vilifying Bester’s victims and using people like her as a tool for distraction because they also want answers.
Worth noting is that the statement has not been taken kindly by many social media users who have, instead, demanded more answers on the one visit by the actress to Bester.
