Welcome to the Episode 43 of Murder & Mayhem: South African True Crime. About the episode: On the 12th of June 2023, a 57 year old woman disappeared without a trace in Bethelsdorp. She had last been seen around 10am when she left her home that morning. Little did anyone know that the reason for her disappearance was due to a danger that lurked with…

Welcome to the Episode 42 of Murder & Mayhem: South African True Crime. About the episode: In a home in Pelikan Park, a young girl has dinner with her family- laughing and happily existing in the humble, warm space they all called home. Unbeknownst to her, just a few doors away a man was watching her…observing her every movement- a dark plan brewin…

Welcome to the Episode 41 of Murder & Mayhem: South African True Crime. About the episode: “I am a charming psychopath and grateful to be a clever serial killer”. These are the shocking words of not only an aspiring crime writer but a cold blooded murderer. The crime he committed sent shockwaves through the nation for its brutal nature. An innocent…

Welcome to the Episode 40 of Murder & Mayhem: South African True Crime. About the episode: A picturesque town concealing a seedy underbelly. A seemingly perfect husband hiding dark secrets and desires. Innocent women with their lives stolen from them by a cruel and callous perpetrator. And an investigation and case that garners an outcry from both …

Welcome to the Episode 39 of Murder & Mayhem: South African True Crime. About the episode: A tale that although shocking has been all too often heard before. Caregivers who not only abuse their roles but fail to live up to them too. A little girl left to fend for herself. A system and society that failed her. 2 years old with an entire future ahead…

Welcome to the Episode 38 of Murder & Mayhem: South African True Crime. About the episode: About the episode: It is said that no one can love you, like a mother can. That blood is thicker than water and that family is more important than anything else. What happens though when a mother is pushed to breaking point? What could drive her to do the unt…

Welcome to the Episode 37 of Murder & Mayhem: South African True Crime. About the episode: From the outside, they seemed to be the perfect family- a doting father and a seemingly caring mother with three happy little girls all living in suburban bliss. But the disturbing truth lay just beyond the surface. Behind the smiling framed photographs on th…

Welcome to the Episode 36 of Murder & Mayhem: South African True Crime. About the episode: A happy, smiling little girl runs up to her grandfather as he returns from work. Her eyes are just as bright and beautiful as those of the woman who brought her into this world. But every day, the faces of both mother and daughter are slowly fading from the m…

Welcome to the Episode 35 of Murder & Mayhem: South African True Crime. About the episode: Imagine being killed for simply living your truth? A talented footballer and a successful woman who captured the hearts of everyone who knew her and paved the way for many others in her community. More than just an athlete or activist though, she was a beacon…

Welcome to the Episode 34 of Murder & Mayhem: South African True Crime. About the episode: Described as the worst massacre Cape Town and the country had ever experienced, in 2003, 9 innocent men lost their lives in a brutal and heart wrenching manner. The police would arrive at the unsuspecting Seapoint property to find not only the radio blasting …

Welcome to the Episode 33 of Murder & Mayhem: South African True Crime. About the episode: An ongoing case that has not only gripped the nation but led to so many more questions. This is a case that when I say you won’t believe it, trust me, you won’t believe it. I delved into it briefly on my Tik Tok account weeks ago and that initial video- well,…

Welcome to the Episode 32 of Murder & Mayhem: South African True Crime. About the episode: After years of hard work, sacrifices and dedication- one young woman was on the path to making all of her dreams come true. A new job, an apartment of her own and her very first car were all achievements that she was so proud of. A man, so close to her, so lo…

Welcome to the Episode 31 of Murder & Mayhem: South African True Crime. About the episode: On a cold winter’s evening on the 3rd of August 2019- a young woman’s life and the lives of those who loved her would forever be changed. Although the supposed culprit would be arrested within days, it would be years until a verdict and some kind of conclusio…

Welcome to the Episode 30 of Murder & Mayhem: South African True Crime. About the episode: A case from 2010 that never quite got the attention it deserved and a girl whose life was cut short before it even began. Even with the countless twists and turns- 13 years on- it seems today that justice will never be served. There are so many questions that…

Welcome to the Episode 29 of Murder & Mayhem: South African True Crime. About the episode: 8 years old, with dreams of becoming a lawyer or doctor forever extinguished as a result of one twisted man’s actions. A man who was no stranger to the legal system. A man who was given far too many second chances. This little girl’s death would spark outrage…

Welcome to the Episode 28 of Murder & Mayhem: South African True Crime. About the episode: A young girl is reported missing- snatched just metres away from the entrance of her school. A city is frantically searching for her, sharing her image on all media platforms. That very same afternoon in another part of the city- a woman is making a cup of te…

Welcome to the Episode 27 of Murder & Mayhem: South African True Crime. About the episode: This case at first glance reads more like a strange movie plot. An axe wielding assailant striking at the dead of night. A narrative detailing a father’s revenge for a monstrous crime committed against his daughter. And at the trial when this man is eventuall…

Welcome to the Episode 26 of Murder & Mayhem: South African True Crime. About the episode: Described as one of the most vile serial killers in South African history, this man committed the most heinous and disturbing acts over a period of years. He went undetected and it was only by sheer coincidence that he would eventually be discovered. With no …

Welcome to the Episode 25 of Murder & Mayhem: South African True Crime. About the episode: If you’ve grown up believing that the boogie man looks a certain way; acts a certain way and is only found in certain places- you may be in for a nasty surprise when you discover the truth. Those with the deepest depths of darkness don’t often look different …

Welcome to the Episode 24 of Murder & Mayhem: South African True Crime. About the episode: What happens when a serial killer cannot be classified? What happens when a perpetrator seems to have no single Modus Operandi or victim profile? How do you even attempt to piece together a puzzle to catch the face behind the trail of destruction when you don…

Welcome to the Episode 23 of Murder & Mayhem: South African True Crime. About the episode: In a beautiful Marina side neighbourhood boasting views of the mountain range, access to a sparkling expanse of water and just minutes away from the ocean- Marina Da Gama exists. This neighbourhood boasts many beautiful homes with stunning views and a wonderf…

Welcome to the Episode 22 of Murder & Mayhem: South African True Crime. About the episode: A case so shocking that a country, in the midst of pandemonium and a lockdown, could not ignore. A young woman- 8 months pregnant, lured to her death by the man she thought she could trust; the father of her unborn baby. With big dreams and a life full of pla…

Welcome to the Episode 21 of Murder & Mayhem: South African True Crime. About the episode: A morning that began with such joy- winning prize money in a competition- turned into pure horror as two innocent souls lost their lives at the hands of someone they knew. Someone who was trusted by their family. For almost 3 years, the court case was postpon…

Welcome to the Episode 20 of Murder & Mayhem: South African True Crime. About the episode: Adopted by a couple who only hoped to share love and affection with him, one young man grew up and into adulthood to repay his family in the most disturbing manner. Aided by a friend, he committed a heinous attack on his unsuspecting parents and left a countr…

Welcome to the Episode 19 of Murder & Mayhem: South African True Crime. About the episode: A day that was supposed to be full of joy and celebrations quickly turned deadly as hundreds of children were exposed to a chemical weapon. In the chaos that ensued- 13 lives were lost. And the reason for the attack in the first place? Money. A rival club suf…

Welcome to the Episode 18 of Murder & Mayhem: South African True Crime. About the episode: Within a beautiful city- a hub of activity and a top tourism attraction- a dark underbelly exists. And in April of 2006- two innocent men leaving a dinner party found themselves in the wrong place at the wrong time. With so much talent and such bright futures…

Welcome to the Episode 17 of Murder & Mayhem: South African True Crime. About the episode: In a country where gender rights have been legislated and same-sex marriage has been legal since 2006- making it the first African country to do so- here in South Africa we claim to have a constitutiion that protects against discrimination based on sexual ori…

Welcome to the Episode 16 of Murder & Mayhem: South African True Crime. About the episode: From humble beginnings to competing and dancing in shows across the globe; one individual’s journey inspired and brought hope to so many others. Aiming to bring light and safety to the plight of so many in a community often stigmatised, abused and isolated- o…

Welcome to the Episode 15 of Murder & Mayhem: South African True Crime. About the episode: In a world where at times those of a bygone generation may be forgotten, one man saw a window of opportunity to wreak havoc on one of the most vulnerable populations- the elderly. Whereas to society- a grandmother is someone full of warmth, kindness and love-…

Welcome to the Episode 14 of Murder & Mayhem: South African True Crime. About the episode: In a rural farming community on a 5 acre farm, unbeknownst to many of the public, the idyllic surroundings hid a dark and disturbing secret. In 2011, a boy only 15 years old was dropped at a wildlife ranger training camp. Little did he know that 10 weeks late…

Welcome to the Episode 13 of Murder & Mayhem: South African True Crime. About the episode: Every day in South Africa, 3 women lose their lives at the hands of their partners. This is the story of a woman who would live to tell her tale that would shock a nation. The abuse she suffered was at the hands of the man she loved; the man she trusted. The …

Welcome to the Episode 12 of Murder & Mayhem: South African True Crime. About the episode: The Eastern Cape is arguably one of the most beautiful provinces in South Africa. Amongst the rolling plains, rivers, valleys and farms there lies a small, rural village- Toleni which between the years of 2008 and 2013 became known as the Village of Death. Wo…

Welcome to the Episode 11 of Murder & Mayhem: South African True Crime. About the episode: Whilst other girls were taking Snapchat selfies whilst watching the latest episode of the Winx club, an 11 year old girl was fighting for her life from a man she knew; a man who lived just a few doors down from her home. The last words she would utter, God kn…

Welcome to the Episode 10 of Murder & Mayhem: South African True Crime. About the episode: This case is every parent’s nightmare. Imagine that your child goes out with friends- only to either never return or in the case of today’s victim- to return on the brink of death. Today’s victim is not so much a victim in my eyes but a heroine as she ended u…

Welcome to the Episode 9 of Murder & Mayhem: South African True Crime. About the episode: In a small valley just past Hermanus known for fine wines and fruit, horse rides and gorgeous dams- the veiled societal issues of poverty, illiteracy and alcohol abuse amongst those who worked the farms remained just out of sight and mind. That was until a spa…

Welcome to the Episode 8 of Murder & Mayhem: South African True Crime. About the episode: South Africa is no stranger to GBV violence but each time a new case manages to make it to the news, society is still shocked. Following the unthinkable murder of Courtney Pieters, the kidnapping of two university students and the brutal events that would foll…

Welcome to the Episode 7 of Murder & Mayhem: South African True Crime. About the episode: How would you feel if you sent your child to school- a supposed safe place- like any other day but instead of picking them up after school, you are called to identify their body? In 2008- a crime almost too shocking to believe occurred in a school in the West …

Welcome to the Episode 6 of Murder & Mayhem: South African True Crime. About the episode: What started off as an adventure, turned into a nightmare for one young woman in Thailand. Ashley Oosthuizen has been condemned to life imprisonment (25 years in Thailand) for a crime she did not commit and for which there is no evidence other than a signed pa…

Welcome to the Episode 5 of Murder & Mayhem: South African True Crime. About the episode: When you hear the word cult, you imagine a large group of people under the influence of one main leader committing atrocious acts of inhumanity. But what if I told you that a cult could have just 3 people and that alone could be deadly enough? With a dangerous…

Welcome to the Episode 4 of Murder & Mayhem: South African True Crime. About the episode: Nicknamed the South African Josef Mengele as well as Dr Death, it was Wouter Basson's role to produce chemical and biological weapons for a state sponsored genocide during the Apartheid era. To the unknowing eye, he appears to be just a regular senior doctor b…

Welcome to the Episode 3 of Murder & Mayhem: South African True Crime. This is an immersive 3D audio experience so headphones are recommended (but of course not necessary) About the episode: In 2019 in Masoyi, Mpumalanga, a heinous discovery was made in the garden of Julius Mndawe, a 25 year old man at the time. After further investigation, he was …

Welcome to the episode 2 of Murder & Mayhem: South African True Crime. This is an immersive 3D audio experience so headphones are recommended (but of course not necessary) About the episode: Louisa Cornelia Susana Van Der Merwe was born in 2013 and just a mere 3 years later, her little life would be cut short- taken by the people she trusted to loo…

Welcome to the first episode of Murder & Mayhem: South African True Crime. This is an immersive 3D audio experience so headphones are recommended (but of course not necessary) About the episode: In 2011, the little mining town of Welkom, South Africa was thrust into the spotlight as news of a disturbing and tragic crime hit the media. The victim? 2…

Introducing.... *drum roll please* The Murder & Mayhem: South African True Crime podcast! (The official sister podcast to the Youtube series- Makeup & Mayhem: True Crime with Bella Monsoon. In a unique 3D audio experience, this podcast explores real life crimes occurring within South Africa from a psychological viewpoint with your host- Bella Monso…