Convict Conman
Made in South Africa
This Showmax Original true-crime series follows the investigations into Dawie de Villiers, a supposed model agency boss accused of multiple rapes, and shadowy publisher Michael O’Connor.
IdeaCandy, the production company behind Showmax record-breakers Devilsdorp, Rosemary’s Hitlist and Steinheist, has just released the first trailer for Convict Conman, a Showmax Original true-crime series premiering now streaming on Showmax.
In 2012, Carte Blanche journalist Sasha Wein received 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 deeper look into Convict Conman

“Compelling and riveting”: Convict Conman comes to Showmax
Stream the two-part true-crime documentary Convict Conman, about the bold investigations by journalists Jana Marx and Sasha Wein, only on Showmax.

Convict Conman
This Showmax Original true-crime series follows the investigations into Dawie de Villiers, a supposed model agency boss accused of multiple rapes, and shadowy publisher Michael O’Connor. Warning: contains descriptions of sexual abuse.

Trailer alert: Convict Conman investigates “the Kempton Park Hugh Hefner”
Showmax has dropped a trailer for Convict Conman, the docuseries investigating “the Kempton Park Hugh Hefner”. Landing on 6 and 13 December.

Convict Conman
This Showmax Original true-crime series follows the investigations into Dawie de Villiers, a supposed model agency boss accused of multiple rapes, and shadowy publisher Michael O’Connor.
More Mzansi gold

Jojo dishes on her Real Housewives of Durban journey
Now that Season 5 of The Real Housewives of Durban has come to an end, Jojo opens up about her relationship with Nonku, and which cosmetic procedure is most like RHOD.

10 South African true-crime series, ranked
From The ABC Killer to Tracking Thabo Bester, these true-crime documentary series explore some of South Africa’s darkest crime stories – all available to stream on Showmax.

Must-watch trailer: upcoming Showmax reality show Vaal Riviera
Watch the explosive trailer for Vaal Riviera, a reality series following four families from the Vaal Triangle. Premiering 22 August on Showmax.

Christopher Reeve documentary on Showmax get four Emmy nods
South African producer Robert Ford discusses his Emmy-nominated documentary, Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story, which premieres on Showmax on Friday, 25 July 2025.

Shaka iLembe’s Dawn Thandeka King on Untied
Dawn Thandeka King opens up about her spiritual journey, motherhood and marriage in Untied, now streaming on Showmax. Catch new episodes every Tuesday.

Director Jasyn Howes on true-crime documentary The ABC Killer
The director of Showmax Original doccie The ABC Killer, Jasyn Howes, talks about the twisty three-part series about serial killer Moses Sithole. Stream it now on Showmax.

The ABC Killer S1
Delve into the story of South African serial killer Moses Sithole, whose reign of terror on young Black women in Atteridgeville, Boksburg and Cleveland earned him the nickname the ABC Killer.

Felix Hlophe on his comedy special, fat jokes, sex and cheating
Comedian and radio personality Felix Hlophe opens up about his stand-up comedy special at Laugh Africa Comedy Festival 2025, landing on 15 August on Showmax.
The most binge-worthy shows to stream

Love Island UK S12
Gorgeous singles live in a luxury villa – with the added possibility of meeting their soul mate – in this fun and flirty reality series.

Matlock S1
Retired 70-year-old Madeline Matlock rejoins the work force at a prestigious law firm, where she uses her wily tactics to win cases and expose wrongdoing in this hit reboot.

Nelly & Ashanti: We Belong Together S1
Follow the electrifying journey of Nelly and Ashanti as the beloved couple reignite their love while navigating the ups and downs of being newlyweds and parents.

The Real Housewives of Atlanta S16
These sassy women of Atlanta’s entrepreneurial spirits are in full bloom as they juggle their personal and professional lives, along with their busy social calendars.

Love Island USA S5-7
The American version of the hit show moves the action to Las Vegas, but the premise remains: the most beloved couple will sashay away with $100 000.

Everyone Else Burns S2
This hilarious comedy series, which has drama and heart, follows a family devoted to a religious cult as they navigate modern-day life and prepare for the world’s end.

The Real Housewives of Miami S4
The ladies of the Sunshine State are turning up the heat and dialling up the drama this season.

The Real Housewives of Orange County S18-19
In The Real Housewives OG series, we follow the lives of some of the wealthiest women and their families who live in Orange County, California.
More eye-opening documentaries

10 South African true-crime series, ranked
From The ABC Killer to Tracking Thabo Bester, these true-crime documentary series explore some of South Africa’s darkest crime stories – all available to stream on Showmax.

Eye-opening homegrown documentaries to stream
These unmissable South African shows and movies deliver surprising insights on the country we’re living in today.

Wild Wild Space and 10 more titles to join your space race
We have liftoff! As new HBO documentary Wild Wild Space takes us into low orbit, mission control has 10 more titles ready for space junkies, from Apollo 13 to Interstellar.

Anatomy of Lies: Women who con
Grey’s Anatomy’s most shocking medical case took place behind the scenes. Find out how co-executive producer and writer Elisabeth Finch faked cancer and personal tragedy, and meet five more of the world’s most questionable con women.