Thabo Bester | Are his actions driven by traumatic childhood?

JOHANNESBURG - We shift our focus to Thabo Bester's upbringing.

The convicted murderer and rapist claims his mother abandoned him when he was young, leaving him to be raised by his grandmother.

WATCH: Bester's mother hopes he will change

But Maria Mabaso has denied this.

However, she has confirmed that he was born as a result of rape.

READ: Bester returned to Kgosi Mampuru Prison

Clinical psychologist Themba Manzini said based on general or public information on Bester's troublesome childhood, it could create behaviour problems which might also lead to criminal behaviour

"So we need to pay attention to such children, it could have an influence on his current behaviour," Manzini said.

"It's a combination of different elements, the trauma, it can expose him to further risk."