6 December 2023

Convict Conman

In 2012, Carte Blanche journalist Sasha Wein receives a tip-off to investigate Dawie de Villiers, a Kempton Park photographer and founder of Modelling South Africa. Described in the first episode as “a sophisticated predator” and “the Kempton Park Hugh Hefner”, de Villiers is accused of fraud and of being sexually inappropriate with aspiring models, some below the age of 16.

Nine years later, in 2021, with de Villiers sentenced to life in jail, investigative journalist Jana Marx (Devilsdorp) receives a tip-off to look into Michael O’Connor. He runs a photography publication and is looking to start business and fashion magazines too. It’s during the COVID pandemic, so his staff have never met him - or even seen his face.

O’Connor claims de Villiers is a “good friend” but what else do they have in common?

A two-part Showmax Original true-crime series, Convict Conman is produced by IdeaCandy (Devilsdorp, Rosemary’s Hitlist, Steinheist) and marks the documentary series directorial debut of SAFTA-winning editor Nikki Comninos, nominated for three SAFTAs in the past two years for her work on Steinheist, Devilsdorp and Murder in Paris.

Watch it now

More eye-opening documentaries to stream

Married at First Sight's Bongani on Portia, therapy and more

Bongani reflects on his journey on Married at First Sight Season 2. Catch new episodes every Sunday on Mzansi Magic and Showmax.

South Africa

Nêrens, Noord-Kaap S1-2

When three estranged brothers reunite, secrets, heartbreak and the truth surrounding their mother’s death threaten the path to redemption.

Made in South Africa

Gerard Butler as 'Big Nick' O'Brien and O’Shea Jackson Jr. as Donnie Wilson in Den of Thieves 2: Panthera. Photo Credit: Rico Torres.

Gerard Butler and O’Shea Jackson Jr chat about Den of Thieves 2: Pantera

Expect “gorilla” war as Big Nick and Donnie team up in heist movie Den of Thieves 2: Pantera! “A silverback gorilla like Nick needs another silverback gorilla to wrestle with,” hints Gerard Butler.