Nomfundo Tyhulu was a 26-year-old model and car saleswoman whose life was brutally ended by Thabo Bester, known as the “Facebook Rapist,” in 2011. Despite her tragic death, her story is often overshadowed by the infamy of her killer. As we delve into Bester’s sinister journey, it’s crucial not to forget the real human toll of his atrocious acts and the impact they have on the victims and their families.
Who was Nomfundo Tyhulu?
Nomfundo Tyhulu was a 26-year-old model and car saleswoman, whose life was suddenly and viciously snuffed out by Thabo Bester, notorious as the “Facebook Rapist,” in 2011. Her life and tragic end serve as a chilling warning of the unforeseen perils lurking in our increasingly digital society.
Thrilling narratives of horror and treachery often bewitch those who hear them, consuming their attention with a grim curiosity. Nevertheless, our enthrallment with the rogue often causes us to neglect the lamentable tales of their victims. This tendency is evident in the upcoming Showmax docu-series ‘Tracking Thabo Bester’, where viewers might be engrossed in the evil protagonist and his alluring girlfriend, Nandipha Magudumana. Even so, it’s crucial not to forget the poignant tale of the victim, Nomfundo Tyhulu.
Who was Nomfundo Tyhulu?
Nomfundo Tyhulu isn’t just a melancholy afterthought in the eerie account of Thabo Bester, notorious as the “Facebook Rapist“. She was a 26-year-old model with dreams in her eyes and a car saleswoman, whose life was suddenly and viciously snuffed out by Bester in 2011. Her life and tragic end serve as a chilling warning of the unforeseen perils lurking in our increasingly digital society.
In South African crime history, Bester has secured an infamous reputation for himself as the “Facebook Rapist.” He embarked on his crime journey by pilfering laptops and mobile phones, along with sexually assaulting women he met on the social media platform. Nomfundo Tyhulu was one such unfortunate encounter.
Bester’s Encounter with Tyhulu
Tyhulu was an enterprising woman carving a niche for herself in the automobile industry while simultaneously chasing her modelling dreams. She sold Bester a brand-new BMW 1 Series in January 2011. Bester, fresh from a stint in jail for fraud, sparked a relationship that would last for several months. Their relationship reached a crescendo with a trip to Cape Town in September of the same year.
Bester enticed Tyhulu with the allure of a professional photo session. They lodged at the opulent One &Only, and later, the Roman Retreat B&B. However, in the wee hours of September 21, their relationship took a deadly detour. A heated debate over their relationship status resulted in Bester stabbing Tyhulu in the chest, leading to her premature death.
A Heinous Act Followed by Escape
The terror did not cease with Tyhulu’s murder. Bester continued his heinous act by binding Tyhulu’s hands with a T-shirt, robbed her laptop and mobile phone after forcing her to reveal her password, and then deserted her body as he absconded.
Bester managed to dodge capture for weeks, switching identities, using different mobile phones and Facebook accounts. He even dared law enforcement with a chilling post: “Catch me if you can”. Yet, his audacity was short-lived. On October 6, police apprehended Bester in Alberton. The court sentenced him to two life terms for the rape of two models and an armed robbery with aggravating circumstances.
Aftermath of the Crime
In 2012, Bester confessed to Tyhulu’s murder, earning another concurrent life sentence. However, despite his apology in court, forensic psychologist Gerard Labuschagne proposes his plea was more about manipulation than regret. Bester could command the narrative without the gruesome details of his crime being made public in court.
The upcoming docu-series ‘Tracking Thabo Bester’, aims to shed light on Bester’s sinister journey. Journalist Ernusta Maralack revealed an attempt to interview Tyhulu’s family, which was turned down, emphasizing the lingering agony such brutal actions inflict on the victims and their families.
Remembering Nomfundo Tyhulu
As we explore Bester’s account further, it’s essential not to forget about Nomfundo Tyhulu, a woman whose life was tragically ended prematurely. Her story acts as a stark reminder of the real human toll of such atrocious acts, a reality that should never be eclipsed by the criminal’s infamy.
1. Who was Nomfundo Tyhulu?
Nomfundo Tyhulu was a 26-year-old model and car saleswoman who was brutally killed by Thabo Bester, known as the “Facebook Rapist,” in 2011.
2. What was Thabo Bester’s crime history?
In South African crime history, Bester is infamous as the “Facebook Rapist”. He stole laptops and mobile phones and also sexually assaulted women he met on the social media platform.
3. What happened during Bester’s encounter with Tyhulu?
Bester and Tyhulu had a relationship that lasted for several months. They went on a trip to Cape Town, where Bester stabbed Tyhulu to death during a heated debate over their relationship status.
4. How did Bester try to evade capture after the crime?
Bester bound Tyhulu’s hands with a T-shirt, robbed her of her laptop and mobile phone, and then fled the scene. He managed to avoid capture for weeks by using different identities, mobile phones, and Facebook accounts.
5. What was the aftermath of the crime?
Bester was sentenced to two life terms for the rape of two models and an armed robbery with aggravating circumstances. In 2012, he confessed to Tyhulu’s murder, earning another concurrent life sentence.
6. Why is it important to remember Nomfundo Tyhulu?
It’s important not to forget the real human toll of Bester’s atrocious acts and the impact they have on the victims and their families. Tyhulu’s story serves as a stark reminder of this reality and should never be eclipsed by the criminal’s infamy.
