
Trailer alert: Convict Conman investigates "the Kempton Park Hugh Hefner"
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 in two parts on Wednesday, 6 and 13 December 2023.
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.
Watch the trailer for Convict Conman
O’Connor claims de Villiers is a “good friend” but what else do they have in common?
Convict Conman 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.
“We dedicate this series to those who Dawie de Villiers hurt, and to all survivors of sexual assault,” says Comninos. “I feel outraged by the actions of Dawie - and sadly the actions of so many men, especially in South Africa, where we live with one of the highest rates of gender-based violence in the world. Convict Conman will make you mad, but will also warm your heart and make you laugh. It shows how our prison system is broken but it’s also about a celebration of how strong our media is, and how powerful good journalism can be. It's a wild ride of plot twists and elaborate cons, anchored by real people and deep emotions.”
In addition to Wein, Marx and their fellow Carte Blanche investigative journalist Bernadette Maguire Rothman, Comninos also interviews de Villiers’ victims and O’Connor’s staff, as well as the likes of Captain Veronica Bank, criminologist Professor Anni Hesselink, and model Thando Hopa, who speaks to the broader context of this “so crazy it must be true” story.
Trigger warning: Convict Conman contains descriptions of sexual abuse, involving both adults and minors, which may be disturbing for some viewers.
Convict Conman lands in two parts on Showmax on 6 December and 13 December.
More like this

MobLand S1
Tom Hardy and Pierce Brosnan propel this gripping, gritty crime drama series that follows two powerful families engaged in an intense power struggle.
Big mobs, small jobs: 10 crime series to stream on Showmax
Not everybody can be the Godfather. From MobLand to The Cleaning Lady to Gangs of London, we look at 11 small but essential jobs that take care of the organising behind organised crime.

IdeaCandy docuseries Unspoken War looks to start a national conversation
Unspoken War lands on Showmax in full on 12 November 2025, and on M-Net weekly on Wednesdays from 12 November. Produced by iEmmy nominees IdeaCandy.

Dexter's deadly to-do list in Dexter: Resurrection
Dexter’s son Harrison “killed” him in the finale of Dexter: New Blood. But he’s back from the dead and on a mission: tie up loose ends.

Young, Gifted & Queer (2025)
This bold exploration of the lives of Black queer artists shaping Mzansi's cultural landscape is told through intimate and personal reflections.

Dexter: Resurrection S1
The city that never sleeps has a new guest. Set a few weeks after Dexter: New Blood, Dexter Morgan chases a missing Harrison to New York, where Captain Angel Batista is hot on their trail from Miami.
Must-watch trailer: Slay Queens doccie coming to Showmax
Watch the explosive trailer for Slay Queens, a Showmax Original docuseries about women chasing the soft life. Streaming from 31 October, new episodes every Friday.

Seen & Heard: The History of Black Television
Take a journey through TV history, exploring Black representation, from early on-screen appearances to modern creators, revolutionising the industry.
Devilsdorp, a Showmax local true-crime documentary
Steinheist, the biggest corporate scandal in Mzansi's history!
More eye-opening documentaries

Finding Optel to hit Showmax after BFI London Film Festival
Mikayla Joy Brown and Jesse Brown talk about Finding Optel's BFI London Film Festival premiere. Coming to Showmax on 24 October 2025.

Outlaws S2: Meet the new Sihle, Noluthando Ngema
Watch the trailer for Outlaws S2, featuring rising star Noluthando Ngema, streaming from 17 November and on Mzansi Magic from 22 November 2025.

Gallery: Showmax Fan Day with Youngins brings the heat
The Youngins cast brought the looks, laughs, and unforgettable vibes to Showmax Fan Day on 18 October.

MobLand S1
Tom Hardy and Pierce Brosnan propel this gripping, gritty crime drama series that follows two powerful families engaged in an intense power struggle.
Latest Stories

Bafana Bafana composed for Durban showdown against Zimbabwe

Clementine Mosimane, Mondli Makhoba and Luyanda Zwane join Spinners S2

Arsenal and Liverpool early front-runners ahead of Premier League international break

Married at First Sight's Portia Baloyi on the reunion and her ex
Must-watch trailer: Slay Queens doccie coming to Showmax

The Premier League canvas: a Saturday masterpiece painted in blue and red

Relebogile Mabotja to host the two-hour Married at First Sight reunion special

South Africa in third place at International Emmys, with four MultiChoice nominations

What to watch on Showmax in October 2025

The clash of the new number 9s: Gyökeres vs Woltemade

Married at First Sight: Themba on his "stunning" wife Nelisa

June Squibb wins Best Actress award at age 95 for Thelma

Red vs Blue: Showmax Premier League serves up a blockbuster weekend

Blockbuster Premier League weekend: Red vs Blue

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

Where to see the cast of Levels on Showmax

From doubt to dynamo: Micky van de Ven's rise at Tottenham

Mhlongo's bold prediction: Pirates to clinch MTN8 Title for a fourth year running

Glory awaits: From MTN8 Kings to Manchester's Crown, football's biggest stage is on Showmax

Art, money and power: a blueprint for The Brutalist

Uncover the soul of South African football with the boxset of Giants

Rianza Snyman on Vaal Riviera and being a stay-at-home mom

The best Premier League signings of 2025's summer window

SA siblings’ debut film chosen for BFI London Film Festival