True Crime South Africa

On the 31st of August 1986, Jermaine Abrahams was getting ready for school when there was a knock on the door of her home. Answering that door set in motion a sequence of horrific events that would lead to three people losing their lives and a community having that moment seared into their memories forever. (24-hr trauma helpline 082-821-3447) (Support the show on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/truecrimesa) (Support the show on PayPal https://www.paypal.me/truecrimesa) Instagram · Pinterest · Facebook · YouTube · Twitter · LinkedIn

When 20-year-old Palesa Madiba disappeared after spending a long weekend with a childhood friend, her family had no idea that they would wait almost a decade for justice to be done in her case. (24-hr trauma helpline 082-821-3447) (Support the show on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/truecrimesa) (Support the show on PayPal https://www.paypal.me/truecrimesa) Instagram · Pinterest · Facebook · YouTube · Twitter · LinkedIn

When SA-expat Ria Wolmarans was found shot to death in her Botswana home in 1996, her murder would be the spark to a fire of controversy around love, betrayal, and paying the ultimate price for both (24-hr trauma helpline 082-821-3447) (Support the show on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/truecrimesa) (Support the show on PayPal https://www.paypal.me/truecrimesa) Instagram · Pinterest · Facebook · YouTube · Twitter · LinkedIn

Introducing: Off The Grid in South Africa - A practical guide to shedding load-shedding "Off the Grid in South Africa" is a practical guide for those looking to avoid load shedding and become energy self-sufficient. The podcast will share tips, tricks and insights on how to generate, store and use energy in an independent and sustainable way. From solar power and wind turbines to battery storage and backup generators, we'll cover all the options available for powering your home or business off the grid. We'll also talk to experts, suppliers, and homeowners who have already made the transition to energy self-sufficiency. Join us and take the first step towards energy independence. Instagram · Pinterest · Facebook · YouTube · Twitter · LinkedIn

When a well-respected police officer does not arrive for work one Monday morning in 2003, her colleagues are immediately concerned. Then, they hear about a horrific discovery one town over and suddenly fear grips a community who will soon be stunned at the true nature of the crime. (24-hr trauma helpline 082-821-3447) (Support the show on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/truecrimesa) (Support the show on PayPal https://www.paypal.me/truecrimesa) Instagram · Pinterest · Facebook · YouTube · Twitter · LinkedIn

When Pofadder hotelier, Leon Brits was found floating in his swimming pool, the small town that so loved and relied on him was horrified. Suspicion and rumours flew around who could have been responsible for his murder, but almost no one guessed that it was the angelic-faced woman who'd stood by his side that really needed to be looked at (24-hr trauma helpline 082-821-3447) (Support the show on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/truecrimesa) (Support the show on PayPal https://www.paypal.me/truecrimesa) Instagram · Pinterest · Facebook · YouTube · Twitter · LinkedIn

25-year-old Leighandre Jegels was taking the boxing world by storm. She was an incredible athlete, a brilliant varsity student, and much loved by her family and friends. But Leighandre was also being hunted. Her ex-boyfriend was a highly trained special ops police officer and he'd set his target on Leighandre. (24-hr trauma helpline 082-821-3447) (Support the show on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/truecrimesa) (Support the show on PayPal https://www.paypal.me/truecrimesa) Instagram · Pinterest · Facebook · YouTube · Twitter · LinkedIn

A young man starts a money lending business with a twist - none of his clients will get out alive. It will take at least four years for police to sit up and take notice, but when they eventually do, they'll be aghast at the string of murders that had taken place just under their nose. (24-hr trauma helpline 082-821-3447) (Support the show on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/truecrimesa) (Support the show on PayPal https://www.paypal.me/truecrimesa) Instagram · Pinterest · Facebook · YouTube · Twitter · LinkedIn

This bonus episode is brought to you by Change in One Generation podcast from Change Podcasts and Bright Rock. A summary of this year's incredible DNA Hits of the Year from across the globe (including South Africa) where DNA testing was used in innovative ways to help bring justice to the victims of violent crime. (24-hr trauma helpline 082-821-3447) (Support the show on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/truecrimesa) (Support the show on PayPal https://www.paypal.me/truecrimesa) Instagram · Pinterest · Facebook · YouTube · Twitter · LinkedIn

Between 1997 and 2001 the most prolific serial child rapist South Africa has ever seen walked the streets of Johannesburg. By the time he was caught the charges against him exceeded 100 counts, but he had not been hiding in the shadows - he'd been in the limelight all along. (24-hr trauma helpline 082-821-3447) (Support the show on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/truecrimesa) (Support the show on PayPal https://www.paypal.me/truecrimesa) Instagram · Pinterest · Facebook · YouTube · Twitter · LinkedIn

When Annie Liebenberg's daughter couldn't get hold of her mother on the 20th of August 2021, family members went to the home of her partner, Michael Zantow where they discovered a scene of horror. (24-hr trauma helpline 082-821-3447) (Support the show on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/truecrimesa) (Support the show on PayPal https://www.paypal.me/truecrimesa) Instagram · Pinterest · Facebook · YouTube · Twitter · LinkedIn

Every now and then a South African court hears a financial crime case that is so bizarre and unbelievable that it goes down in the annals of history. In 1994, one such case popped up in the unlikely town of Oudtshoorn. (24-hr trauma helpline 082-821-3447) (Support the show on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/truecrimesa) (Support the show on PayPal https://www.paypal.me/truecrimesa) Instagram · Pinterest · Facebook · YouTube · Twitter · LinkedIn

This is a preview of the first episode of Change in One Generation Podcast The Change in One Generation podcast, hosted by Ruda Landman and Dr Frank Magwegwe, dives into the change stories of fascinating South Africans. Ever wondered how some of the most successful South Africans navigate the uncertainty of change in their lives to achieve their goals? The Change in One Generation Podcast, hosted by journalist and author, Ruda Landman, and change expert and academic, Dr Frank Magwegwe, dives into the change stories of fascinating South Africans who've risen above difficult circumstances to achieve great success in their respective fields. Learn from each exciting guest as they open up to Ruda about their pivotal change moments while Dr Frank explores the interesting change science themes that underpin their beautiful stories - and that we can all apply in our own lives. Listen to Change in One Generation now: https://iono.fm/c/7963 https://changepodcasts.co.za/ Instagram · Pinterest · Facebook · YouTube · Twitter · LinkedIn

When 47-year-old interior designer Beatrice Harrowyn disappeared in November 2001, the missing person report filed by her friend coincided with the discovery of a body on the side of the N14. It would be the job of police to stitch together all the threads and tie up a possible serial offender. (24-hr trauma helpline 082-821-3447) (Support the show on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/truecrimesa) (Support the show on PayPal https://www.paypal.me/truecrimesa) Instagram · Pinterest · Facebook · YouTube · Twitter · LinkedIn

This bonus episode is brought to you by Change in One Generation podcast from Change Podcasts and Bright Rock. In 1985, Norah Coram succumbed to pneumonia as the result of a prolonged ordeal after a house breaking and assault on her. It would take 34 years for her killer to finally be tracked down. (24-hr trauma helpline 082-821-3447) (Support the show on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/truecrimesa) (Support the show on PayPal https://www.paypal.me/truecrimesa) Instagram · Pinterest · Facebook · YouTube · Twitter · LinkedIn

In 2015, the peace of Rhodes Park in Kensington was shattered by the horrified screams of two women who told those who rushed to their aid that they'd been attacked and their husbands had been dumped in the water. Soon the SAPS was searching for 12 men responsible for the horrific crime. (24-hr trauma helpline 082-821-3447) (Support the show on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/truecrimesa) (Support the show on PayPal https://www.paypal.me/truecrimesa) Instagram · Pinterest · Facebook · YouTube · Twitter · LinkedIn

The Change in One Generation podcast, hosted by Ruda Landman and Dr Frank Magwegwe, dives into the change stories of fascinating South Africans. Ever wondered how some of the most successful South Africans navigate the uncertainty of change in their lives to achieve their goals? The Change in One Generation Podcast, hosted by journalist and author, Ruda Landman, and change expert and academic, Dr Frank Magwegwe, dives into the change stories of fascinating South Africans who've risen above difficult circumstances to achieve great success in their respective fields. Learn from each exciting guest as they open up to Ruda about their pivotal change moments while Dr Frank explores the interesting change science themes that underpin their beautiful stories - and that we can all apply in our own lives. Listen to Change in One Generation now: https://iono.fm/c/7963 https://changepodcasts.co.za/ Instagram · Pinterest · Facebook · YouTube · Twitter · LinkedIn

In this special crossover episode, Nicole Engelbrecht interviews author Ted Botha about his new true crime book Daisy De Melker: Hiding Among Killers in the City of Gold. This is a crossover to the interview I conducted on Jonathan Ball Publishing's podcast Pagecast. Subscribe to Pagecast for more bookish content here: https://open.spotify.com/show/1MKyRj76sXHSoL1KhkmWUg?si=e66f54b4ef084700 Instagram · Pinterest · Facebook · YouTube · Twitter · LinkedIn

In the early hours of 14 April 2013, the badly beaten body of a young woman was discovered on the streets of Woodstock. On the other side of town, a wealthy artist pulled his Porsche into its garage, turned off the engine, and carried on with his life having no idea that a silent witness had just recorded his brutal crime. (24-hr trauma helpline 082-821-3447) (Support the show on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/truecrimesa) (Support the show on PayPal https://www.paypal.me/truecrimesa) Instagram · Pinterest · Facebook · YouTube · Twitter · LinkedIn

In 1999, 14 year old Valencia Farmer went out with friends and never came home. Her brutal rape and murder would be one of the first in a wave of violence against women in the Western Cape that seemed inextricably linked to gang culture. (24-hr trauma helpline 082-821-3447) (Support the show on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/truecrimesa) (Support the show on PayPal https://www.paypal.me/truecrimesa) Instagram · Pinterest · Facebook · YouTube · Twitter · LinkedIn

What would you do if you were wrongly accused, worst still, wrongly convicted of a murder you had no involvement in? In 2003, Thembekile Molaudzi was faced with this exact predicament as he and several other men were handed down life sentences for a crime they did not commit. (24-hr trauma helpline 082-821-3447) (Support the show on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/truecrimesa) (Support the show on PayPal https://www.paypal.me/truecrimesa) Instagram · Pinterest · Facebook · YouTube · Twitter · LinkedIn

In just one week in January 1999, Mpumalanga became the hunting ground of a vicious serial killer leaving three women and one child dead and the lives of two others changed forever. It would not be the SAPS who would track this killer, though. Instead, he would practically be delivered to them, by one of his own victims. (24-hr trauma helpline 082-821-3447) (Support the show on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/truecrimesa) (Support the show on PayPal https://www.paypal.me/truecrimesa) Instagram · Pinterest · Facebook · YouTube · Twitter · LinkedIn

On the 28th of May 2018, Felicity Cilliers disappeared in Stellenbosch. When her body was found two days later, her father was sure that the case would be resolved quickly, there was so much evidence against the man he knew had done it after all. He could have no idea that he was about to embark on a decade-long fight for justice for Felicity. (24-hr trauma helpline 082-821-3447) (Support the show on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/truecrimesa) (Support the show on PayPal https://www.paypal.me/truecrimesa) Instagram · Pinterest · Facebook · YouTube · Twitter · LinkedIn

On the morning of the 26th of May 2018, the small Northwest town of Stella was ripped apart when the bodies of schoolgirls Marna Engelbrecht and Sharnelle Hough were discovered in their school hostel. What at first appeared to be a suicide would soon be shown to be a ruthless and cold double murder (24-hr trauma helpline 082-821-3447) (Support the show on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/truecrimesa) (Support the show on PayPal https://www.paypal.me/truecrimesa) Instagram · Pinterest · Facebook · YouTube · Twitter · LinkedIn

67 years ago an 18 year old girl lost her life to a calculated predator and although her memory should have long faded from the minds of those who knew her, for some, Myrna Joy Aken remains very much alive in their memories. (24-hr trauma helpline 082-821-3447) (Support the show on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/truecrimesa) (Support the show on PayPal https://www.paypal.me/truecrimesa) Instagram · Pinterest · Facebook · YouTube · Twitter · LinkedIn

When paramedics arrived at a home in Johannesburg in June 2016, they found the lifeless body of a 3-year-old boy. His caregivers claimed he had died after an accidental fall into a bath of water, but the autopsy would tell a very different story (24-hr trauma helpline 082-821-3447) (Support the show on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/truecrimesa) (Support the show on PayPal https://www.paypal.me/truecrimesa) Instagram · Pinterest · Facebook · YouTube · Twitter · LinkedIn

In 2012, Hawks and officials from Cape Nature uncovered the largest single haul of illegal ivory in the country to that point. The discovery would herald changes in the way South Africa prosecuted wildlife crimes but the true horror of these crimes lies in their connections to a range of other underworld activities. (24-hr trauma helpline 082-821-3447) (Support the show on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/truecrimesa) (Support the show on PayPal https://www.paypal.me/truecrimesa) Instagram · Pinterest · Facebook · YouTube · Twitter · LinkedIn

In March 2011, residents of Kwazulu-Natal would be terrified by a string of brutal and seemingly random ax murders on the streets of their province. Although excellent investigative action would lead to the capture of the serial killer, it would emerge that the man should never have been on the streets in the first place. (24-hr trauma helpline 082-821-3447) (Support the show on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/truecrimesa) (Support the show on PayPal https://www.paypal.me/truecrimesa) Instagram · Pinterest · Facebook · YouTube · Twitter · LinkedIn

When the body of Marike de Klerk was found in her Blouberg apartment in December 2001, rumours and conspiracy theories abounded. Her political connections and the difficulties she'd dealt with in the years leading up to her death meant that it was hard for the public to believe this could have been yet another senseless murder in a country where senseless murder occurs daily. (24-hr trauma helpline 082-821-3447) (Support the show on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/truecrimesa) (Support the show on PayPal https://www.paypal.me/truecrimesa) Instagram · Pinterest · Facebook · YouTube · Twitter · LinkedIn

Telltale Media presents Your Mom with Schalk Comedian Schalk Bezuidenhout gets us front row seats with some of the most exceptional people in South Africa as we get to know their stories like we've never heard them before. Not told through their eyes but rather through those that know them better than anyone else... their mothers! Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0liAVVWL6TQ8dxPqfMoV1I Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/za/podcast/your-mom-with-schalk/id1658499634 Instagram · Pinterest · Facebook · YouTube · Twitter · LinkedIn

In this episode Vanessa Lynch from DNAforAfrica turns the microphone on Nicole Engelbrecht to chat about her journey into podcasting and writing about South African true crime (24-hr trauma helpline 082-821-3447) (Support the show on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/truecrimesa) (Support the show on PayPal https://www.paypal.me/truecrimesa) Instagram · Pinterest · Facebook · YouTube · Twitter · LinkedIn

When 49-year-old Graham Chatburn is found in the Liesbeek River with a crossbow bolt through his skull, his friends and family cannot fathom who would want to harm the loving father and husband. As the pieces of the investigation start to fall into place, though, Graham's family will have to accept that they have been living with a killer in their midst. (24-hr trauma helpline 082-821-3447) (Support the show on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/truecrimesa) (Support the show on PayPal https://www.paypal.me/truecrimesa) Instagram · Pinterest · Facebook · YouTube · Twitter · LinkedIn

When 18-year-old Lekita Moore was found murdered in Valhalla Park, the route to her killer was pretty direct. It would be all of the revelations that spilled over after the arrest of Cameron Wilson, though, that would soon underpin the true horror of what had happened on the Cape Flats over preceding two years (24-hr trauma helpline 082-821-3447) (Support the show on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/truecrimesa) (Support the show on PayPal https://www.paypal.me/truecrimesa) Instagram · Pinterest · Facebook · YouTube · Twitter · LinkedIn

When four gun shots rang out in an office block in Cape Town CBD on the 26th of July 2012, they heralded the end of two lives and the beginning of a world of pain for thousands of people who'd been fleeced into joining one of South Africa's largest Ponzi schemes. (24-hr trauma helpline 082-821-3447) (Support the show on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/truecrimesa) (Support the show on PayPal https://www.paypal.me/truecrimesa) Instagram · Pinterest · Facebook · YouTube · Twitter · LinkedIn

In this week's spotlight minisode we wrap the year by remembering some of the greatest moments the podcast has had in the last 12 months as well as some of the crimes that have rocked South Africa and cases that have been resolved this year. (24-hr trauma helpline 082-821-3447) (Support the show on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/truecrimesa) (Support the show on PayPal https://www.paypal.me/truecrimesa) Instagram · Pinterest · Facebook · YouTube · Twitter · LinkedIn

When 20-year-old Siam Lee went missing from her place of work in Kwazulu-Natal in 2018, her disappearance made headlines for all the wrong reasons. As the story developed, she and her mother would be cast as one-dimensional characters in the story being told about them. When Siam's remains were found, though, attention would shift to her alleged murderer and justice for Siam seemed to hang in the balance. (24-hr trauma helpline 082-821-3447) (Support the show on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/truecrimesa) (Support the show on PayPal https://www.paypal.me/truecrimesa) Instagram · Pinterest · Facebook · YouTube · Twitter · LinkedIn

When 20-year-old Siam Lee went missing from her place of work in Kwazulu-Natal in 2018, her disappearance made headlines for all the wrong reasons. As the story developed, she and her mother would be cast as one-dimensional characters in the story being told about them. When Siam's remains were found, though, attention would shift to her alleged murderer and justice for Siam seemed to hang in the balance. (24-hr trauma helpline 082-821-3447) (Support the show on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/truecrimesa) (Support the show on PayPal https://www.paypal.me/truecrimesa) Instagram · Pinterest · Facebook · YouTube · Twitter · LinkedIn

One couple. One farm. Two murders in the space of a month. When Arnold Schultz is found murdered on his farm in Philippi just one month after his life partner, Hester Koch suffered the same fate, it seems impossible that there is not some link between the two crimes. (24-hr trauma helpline 082-821-3447) (Support the show on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/truecrimesa)(Support the show on PayPal https://www.paypal.me/truecrimesa) Instagram · Pinterest · Facebook · YouTube · Twitter · LinkedIn

When Stellenbosch university student, Erin van Rensburg, went missing from her flat on the 1st of June 2009, red flags immediately sprang up around one particular man who'd shown an obsessive interest in the young woman. (24-hr trauma helpline 082-821-3447) (Support the show on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/truecrimesa) (Support the show on PayPal https://www.paypal.me/truecrimesa) Instagram · Pinterest · Facebook · YouTube · Twitter · LinkedIn

When a call comes into Westville police station late one March night in 2000, an investigation is triggered that will uncover a far different crime than the robbery-gone-wrong that was initially presented. (24-hr trauma helpline 082-821-3447) (Support the show on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/truecrimesa) (Support the show on PayPal https://www.paypal.me/truecrimesa) Instagram · Pinterest · Facebook · YouTube · Twitter · LinkedIn

When mother of two, Zarah Hector disappeared after leaving her place of work on the 15th of March 2016, an extensive search ensues. Nine days after her disappearance, Zarah's body was discovered and the puzzle pieces of her horrific murder showed how deeply the woman had been betrayed by someone she trusted. (24-hr trauma helpline 082-821-3447) (Support the show on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/truecrimesa) (Support the show on PayPal https://www.paypal.me/truecrimesa) Instagram · Pinterest · Facebook · YouTube · Twitter · LinkedIn

In this week's Spotlight Minisode we take a look at Nkosinathi Phakathi, the man who is likely SA's most prolific serial rapist; the death of a 7-month-old baby in Australia, allegedly at the hands of his South African father, Reinhardt Bosch; and the strange case of Robin Smith who police allege faked his own death 23 years ago. (24-hr trauma helpline 082-821-3447) (Support the show on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/truecrimesa) (Support the show on PayPal https://www.paypal.me/truecrimesa) Instagram · Pinterest · Facebook · YouTube · Twitter · LinkedIn

When Marilyn Jones attempts to break up with her boyfriend Robin Cloete, the man refuses to accept the woman's wishes and bloodshed ensues. This should have been the end of Robin Cloete's crimes against women, but, sadly, it was just the beginning. (24-hr trauma helpline 082-821-3447) (Support the show on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/truecrimesa) (Support the show on PayPal https://www.paypal.me/truecrimesa) Instagram · Pinterest · Facebook · YouTube · Twitter · LinkedIn

On the 17th of October 2013, 15-year-old Lee Adams set off to the local store to buy a loaf of bread. When he didn't return home and then, a horrific discovery was made in a local abandoned school, the Adams family was about to thrust into a torrent of grief and devastation. (24-hr trauma helpline 082-821-3447) (Support the show on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/truecrimesa) (Support the show on PayPal https://www.paypal.me/truecrimesa) Instagram · Pinterest · Facebook · YouTube · Twitter · LinkedIn

In this quick update, I share my release schedule for October which will be impacted by the publication of my first true crime book, Samurai Sword Murder: The Morne Harmse Story. Get info on my book launches and RSVP to your closest event. (Support the show on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/truecrimesa Support the show on PayPal https://www.paypal.me/truecrimesa?locale.x=en_US) Instagram · Pinterest · Facebook · YouTube · Twitter · LinkedIn

On the 18th of October 2007 South African music icon Lucky Dube was murdered in a botched hijacking. The investigation into his murder would employ several interesting forensics tools to help bring his killers to justice. Also in this episode is a bonus interview with Dr Richard Shepherd one of the world’s leading forensic pathologists, who has performed more than 23,000 autopsies. Dr Shepherd worked on some really high profile cases including The Hungerford Massacre, the death of Princess Diana, and the inquiry into serial killer Harold Shipman. (24-hr trauma helpline 082-821-3447) (Support the show on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/truecrimesa) (Support the show on PayPal https://www.paypal.me/truecrimesa) Instagram · Pinterest · Facebook · YouTube · Twitter · LinkedIn

On the 5th of July 2018, Hlompho Mohapi Koloi set out for a job interview. She would never return home. The investigation into her murder would reveal not just the coldblooded reasons behind her own death, but also how a man the community trusted had been fooling them all along. (24-hr trauma helpline 082-821-3447) (Support the show on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/truecrimesa) (Support the show on PayPal https://www.paypal.me/truecrimesa) Instagram · Pinterest · Facebook · YouTube · Twitter · LinkedIn

For almost a year between 2005 and 2006, Moffat Park was terrorised by a serial killer. The man who moved unseen among the community became a phantom to feared as victim after victim fell at his hands, but when his masked was pulled off, the very mundane truth of his identity would perhaps be even more horrifying than his crimes. (24-hr trauma helpline 082-821-3447) (Support the show on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/truecrimesa) (Support the show on PayPal https://www.paypal.me/truecrimesa) Instagram · Pinterest · Facebook · YouTube · Twitter · LinkedIn

On the 1st of March 2021, the Saldanha Bay harbour was swarming with police vehicles. A vessel, which had been anchored in harbour for almost two months, was the object of the SAPS' attention that day and what they found on board was beyond what anyone had imagined. (24-hr trauma helpline 082-821-3447) (Support the show on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/truecrimesa) (Support the show on PayPal https://www.paypal.me/truecrimesa) Instagram · Pinterest · Facebook · YouTube · Twitter · LinkedIn