In an upcoming true crime series on Showmax, the actions of a close associate of the convicted South African rapist and pedophile, Dawie de Villiers, will be scrutinized. Titled “Convict Conman,” the series, set to air next month, follows journalist Jana Marx as she delves into the life of Michael O’Connor, who claims to be a “good friend” of de Villiers, currently serving a lifelong prison sentence.
The documentary unfolds as Marx, prompted by a tip-off, investigates O’Connor, a figure associated with photography publications and aspiring business and fashion magazines. During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, when O’Connor’s presence was obscured, the show explores the commonalities between him and de Villiers. Additionally, Convict Conman features interviews with de Villiers’ victims, shedding light on the extensive impact of his crimes.
Dawie de Villiers, founder of Modelling South Africa, was convicted in February 2017 on charges including rape, sexual assault, sexual grooming, fraud, exposing children to pornography, and accessing child pornography.
Directed by Nikki Comninos, a South African Film and Television Award-winning editor, Convict Conman serves as her debut in the documentary series genre. The series is dedicated to the victims of de Villiers and all survivors of sexual assault, expressing outrage at the prevalence of such actions, particularly in South Africa, known for its high rates of gender-based violence.
Produced by IdeaCandy, the same team behind Devilsdorp, and with international sales handled by MultiChoice Studios, the series is set to launch next month. This announcement follows Showmax’s recent relaunch, scheduled for February, featuring a new app and product suite showcasing content such as the UK’s Premier League soccer, following a partnership between Showmax and Comcast’s NBCUniversal and Sky earlier in the year.
