SA Reacts to Thabo Bester’s Mom’s Appearance in Netflix Documentary: “What Happened to Her Face?”

• Photos of Thabo Bester's mother, Maria Mabaso, were shared online after she featured in the Netflix docuseries Beauty and the Bester
• Mabaso's facial appearance became the centre of discussion after a social media user shared her pictures on Monday, 15 September 2025
• Some explained Mabaso's facial appearance, while others shared suggestions on why Bester seemingly abandoned her

Pictures of convicted murderer and rapist Thabo Bester’s mother, Maria Mabaso, set social media ablaze. The discussion centred on neglecting parents and skincare routines.

Thabo Bester’s mom, Maria Mabaso, appears in the Netflix documentary Beauty and the Bester, which takes a deep dive into Thabo Bester and Nandipha Magudumana’s lives, including how they staged his daring prison escape.

From Americans being stunned to South Africans disowning Bester and Magudumana, the series has dominated online discussions since its release on Friday, 12 September 2025, following the Pretoria High Court judge's ruling against an attempt to block its premiere.

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Thabo Bester’s mom’s facial appearance sparked reactions about taking care of one’s parents.

Thabo Bester's mum's facial appearance scrutinised

On Monday, 15 September, social media user @Am_Blujay shared photos of Bester’s mother, Maria Mabaso. The post was captioned:

“All those millions he was making, but Thabo Bester’s mother was languishing in poverty, do better gents 🤧”

In the images, Bester’s mom’s face had deep wrinkles and looked severely damaged.

See the images below:

Netizens react to photos of Thabo Bester's mom

Netizens filled the comment section with mixed reactions. Some explained why Thabo Bester might have abandoned his mother. Others claimed that Maria Mabaso looked healthier in the Showmax documentary a few years ago. Several explained that her skin had been damaged by excessive bleaching.

Here are some of the comments:

@Joji_Thobani argued:

“You do realise parents speak neh? A girl starts OnlyFans, and everyone in the family criticises them and demonises them. 18 months later, she is a millionaire from selling. Now they ask for favours. Same with Bester, Mom didn’t want blood money until crime paid really big.”

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Another American watches 'Beauty and the Bester,' SA disowns duo: "Don’t know these people"

@SboneloG1010 suggested:

“Maybe they don't have a close relationship. We have to accept that not all parents deserve their children's assistance. Did she raise him? How? Does he know who his father is?”

@duma_noluthando said:

“On top of that, Nandipha was a beauty aesthetician or something.”

@Levitikus13 shared:

“She didn't look like this during the Showmax doccie shooting. Whatever happened, it took place very fast and quickly. It looks uncomfortable.”

@Iam_LucTheDon said:

“No strict mother can accept blood money.”

@buhleNqobileZ replied:

“The bleaching creams are hectic.”

@Gab_lenyora exclaimed:

“Yho Mauledy, what did she do to her face?”

@SamMabena1 asked:

“What's wrong with the skin?”

Netflix paid Nandipha Magudumana for docuseries

Meanwhile, Briefly News reported that Netflix paid Nandipha Magudumana for the documentary, whose premiere she attempted to block in court.

During arguments on Thursday, 11 September, the court heard that Magudumana had a business relationship with Netflix. Netizens reacted to the situation and highlighted the irony of Nandipha Magudumana attempting to stop Netflix from airing Beauty and the Bester.

Source: Briefly News