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Pearl Thusi details knife encounter with Thabo Bester in Netflix documentary

JOHANNESBURG — 14 September 2025

Actress Pearl Thusi has revealed a terrifying confrontation with convicted killer Thabo Bester during the filming of Netflix’s “Beauty and The Bester” documentary.

Thusi described an incident where Bester allegedly threatened her with a knife in 2011 (documentary account). She says her religious faith led her to contact her pastor, Gift, who reportedly calmed Bester and gifted him a Bible (Thusi’s testimony).

“For me, as a young Christian woman… I really was about to help someone,” she said about the encounter. Police eventually intervened to ensure her safety (Thusi’s account).

Bester allegedly responded emotionally after prayers, stating: “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to do it. I don’t know what got into me.” (unverified statement in documentary)

The documentary explores Bester’s manipulation tactics through multiple relationships. Thusi’s testimony adds personal insight into his behaviour (Netflix synopsis).

The series has sparked debate online, with social media users questioning Thusi’s account:

@Calidonny wrote: “That came out more as scripted to dramatise the documentary. It is too unreal. Pearl is an actress; she MIGHT have played another role; it’s just a paying gig.”

@xayo246 asked: “So he threatens you with a knife, but you managed to stop him and voluntarily take him to church? You then both leave the church together and end up never telling the police what happened to you?” (public commentary)

Netflix confirmed “Beauty and The Bester” is currently streaming worldwide.