Murder and Mayhem: South African True Crime
Murder & Mayhem: South African True Crime is a podcast that examines real-life crimes in South Africa from a psychological perspective. Each week, host Bella Monsoon delves into a new case, exploring the motives behind the crimes. The podcast aims to understand the minds of perpetrators and the circumstances that lead to criminal acts.
Episodes
Licensed to Harm: The Midwife who played God | Yolande Maritz Fouchee | True Crime South Africa
Welcome to Episode 52 of the official Murder & Mayhem: South African True Crime podcast.
About this episode:
She told every mother who asked: "With over 2,000 babies delivered ... not one baby has ever been hurt." She was lying.
And she had been lying for a very long time.
This is the full story of Yolande Maritz Fouchee - owner of You and Me Midwife-led Maternity Care in Pretoria East, and th
Murder in the Wild: The Kruger Park Tragedy of Ernst and Dina Marais | Episode 51
Welcome to Episode 51 of Murder & Mayhem: South African True Crime.
About this episode:
In May 2026, a retired couple entered the Kruger National Park to celebrate a birthday. They followed every rule. They knew the park well. They never came home. This is the first murder of visitors in Kruger's 100-year history and the story behind it goes far deeper than the headlines.
This is a story of tr
Vulnerable and Alone: 8 Day Old Baby Caithlyn Ferreira's Murder | Episode 50
Welcome to Episode 50 of Murder & Mayhem: South African True Crime.
About this episode:
There are some cases that don’t just shock you. They stay with you. Not because of noise or outrage, but because they force you to confront something deeply uncomfortable about responsibility, protection, and the fragility of life.
Today’s case is one of those.
It involves a newborn baby who was only eight
Episode 49: Hidden in Plain Sight | Deveney Nel's Murder
Welcome to Episode 49 of Murder & Mayhem: South African True Crime.
About this episode:
This episode is about the Deveney Nel case, the story about a 16-year-old girl who went to school one morning and never came home.
What followed would shatter a small community and raise deeply uncomfortable questions about safety, warning signs, accountability, and the systems we rely on to protect young p
Episode 48: Deceived | The Serial Crimes of Johan Jacobus Williams
Welcome to the Episode 47 of Murder & Mayhem: South African True Crime.
About the episode:
Imagine being so desperate to provide for your family and then being offered the opportunity you’ve been waiting for from someone who you know; someone who you should be able to trust.
Imagine embarking on a journey to start this chapter only to have those moments be your last and to never see the o
Episode 47: Beyond Recognition | Siam Lee's Tragic Murder
Welcome to the Episode 47 of Murder & Mayhem: South African True Crime.
About the episode:
Imagine your life is just beginning, you have big plans for the future and a spirit yearning for adventure. Only to have it all stolen in the blink of an eye.
In the coastal city of Durban in Kwa-Zulu Natal, a grim tale of tragedy unfolded in January of 2018. A 20 year old woman with her whole life ahe
Episode 46: Murdered for a Mango | Jerobejin van Wyk's Tragic Story
Welcome to the Episode 46 of Murder & Mayhem: South African True Crime.
About the episode:
Klawer- a quiet town along South Africa’s West Coast, where life moves at a slow, familiar pace. A town known for its rooibos, its grapes and its honey. But in February 2022, a horrifying crime shattered that silence. A 13-year-old boy vanished, last seen running for his life.
What happened next sent
Episode 45: On the Run | The Murder of Chantelle Barnard
Welcome to the Episode 45 of Murder & Mayhem: South African True Crime.
About the episode:
Just a few days before she would turn 21, a young girl with everything ahead of her would have her life stolen when what should have been a simple errand turned into a nightmare.
For months prior to her demise, little did she know that she was being watched, being obsessed over- her existence the ve
Episode 44: Unrecognisable | The Senseless Murder of Janika Mello
Welcome to the Episode 44 of Murder & Mayhem: South African True Crime.
About the episode:
2019 was a year with cases of sheer violence towards women that shocked the South African nation. From the brutal murder of Uyinene in a post office to the mutilation of Lynette Volschenk in her own apartment- each case highlighted the disturbing prevalence of GBV in the country. In the midst of all of
Episode 43: Unconstrained | The Brutal Murder of Desiree Hutton Baartman
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 within her safe space; the very walls she called
Episode 42: Unrepentant | The Heartbreaking Murder of Michaela Williams
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 brewing in his mind. When the perfect moment came,
Episode 41: Desecrated | The Tragic Murder of Lynette Volschenk
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 woman his victim, none the wiser to the da
Episode 40 | Recorded: The Disturbing Case of Brian Smith
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 locals and internationals alike.
A trial that
Episode 39 | Forsaken: The Murder of Chevonne Rusch
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 of her. 2 years old and dependent on those s
Episode 38 | Unthinkable: The Heartbreaking Case of Ellen Pakkies
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 unthinkable? And what happens after?
In 2007, in
Episode 37 | Snapped: The Dickason Family Murders | Lauren Dickason Case
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 the walls, a sinister darkness was brewing and
Episode 36 | Unspeakable: The Shocking Murder of Altecia Kortje and Raynecia
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 memories of those who love and miss them so de
Episode 35 | Unjust: The Brutal Murder of Eudy Simelane
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 of hope for the LGBTQI community in South Africa
Episode 34 | Calamity: The Sizzlers Massacre Tragedy
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 the lyrics…
Life is too short to have sorrow. Y
Episode 33 | Unbelievable: The Shocking Case of Thabo Bester
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, it kinda went viral. And so, I’m here to give y
Episode 32 | Barbarous: The Heartbreaking Case of Allison Plaatjies
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 loved by her, was watching her succeed during this
Episode 31 | Hidden Truths: The Disturbing Case of Meghan Cremer
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 conclusion to the case would be reached. But 4 years later
Episode 30 | Cold Case:The Unsolved Murder of Anika Smit
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 are still up in the air. Was there something tha
Episode 29 | Predator: The Tragic Murder of Tazne Van Wyk
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 and once again bring to light the ever growing c
Episode 28 | Double Life: The Sunday Rapist- Johannes Jacobus Steyn
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 tea. She sits down on her couch, switches on the
Episode 27 | Night Terror: The Axe Killer Phindile Ntshongwana
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 eventually caught- a plea of insanity; of diminished crimi
Episode 26- Evil Within: Serial Killer Boetie Boer | Stewart Wilken
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 remorse; no inhibitions; and no regrets- his vict
Episode 25- Uninvited: The Norwood Serial Killer - Jacobus ’Kobus’ Geldenhuys
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 to you or me. Those who commit the most atrocious
Episode 24- Pure Evil: The Wemmer Pan Serial Killer Cedric Maake
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’t have all the pieces?
Today, I will be discussi
Episode 23- Nightmare in Suburbia: The Adlington Family Murders
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 wonderful atmosphere.
Families who can afford it, have
Episode 22- Betrayed: The Murder of Tshegofatso Pule
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 plans ahead of her, her light was extinguished. She
Episode 21- Ruthless Relations: The Murders of Jesse Hess and Chris Lategan
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 postponed- time and time again and it seemed that justic
Episode 20- Sinister Son:The Crimes of Ruan Van Heerden
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 country in shock when the news of the crime hit the me
Episode 19- Sinful Scheme: The Throb Nightclub Tragedy
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 suffering financially decided that drastic measures
Episode 18- Ill-Fated Encounter: The Senseless Murders of Brett Goldin And Richard Bloom
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- these men lost their lives in a brutal and inc
Episode 17- Poisonous Patriarchy: The Heartbreaking Case of Zoliswa Nkonyana
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 orientation.
But the hate crime statistics and c
Episode 16- Last Dance: The Kirvan Fortuin Case
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- one individual did all they could to share a narra
Episode 15- Stone Cold: Serial Killer Shaun Oosthuizen
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- to this man, they were just soft, easy targets.
Episode 14- Making a Man: The Tragic Case of Raymond Buys
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 later, he would be fighting for his life in hospital
Episode 13- Husband from Hell: The Avril Gordon Case
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 police of Port Elizabeth would later say that
Episode 12- The Monster of Toleni: Bulelani Mabhayi
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. Women and children attacked in their homes at nigh
Episode 11- Innocence Lost: The Cruel Murder of Stacha Arendse
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 knows.
This is Stacha Arendse's Story.
For imag
Episode 10: Evil Deeds: The Murder of Kirsty Theologo
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 up saving another life and in doing so gave her b
Episode 9: The Shocking Crimes of Johannes Mowers
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 spate of burglaries and assaults exposed the dark u
Episode 8: The Heartbreaking Case of Hannah Cornelius
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 follow sent shock waves through the South African co
Episode 7: Into the Mind of the Samurai Killer- Morne Harmse
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 Rand.
Very soon, the media went wild and accus
Episode 6: Nightmare in Paradise - Ashley Oosthuizen’s Story
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 parcel addressed to another person.
Unlike the ma
Episode 5: The Brutal Lotter Family Cult Killings & the third Son of God
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 leader at the helm, in 2008 two innocent lives
Episode 4: Dr Death South Africa- The Case of Wouter Basson & Project Coast
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 but behind his glassy eyes lies stories of pure h
Episode 3: The Facebook Killer- Julius Mndawe
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 soon named the Facebook Killer and the Masoyi
Episode 2: The Murder of Poppie Van Der Merwe
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 look after her- her family. During her months of
Episode 1: The Welkom Grave Murder
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? 23 year-old Michael van Eck. The perpetrators? A
Murder and Mayhem: A South African True Crime Podcast- TRAILER
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 Monsoon.
Every week a new case is examined and we delv
