Profiler: True Crime Africa
Profiler Africa takes listeners into the dark world of South African crime. Hosted by journalist Paul Llewellyn and forensic psychologist Gerard Labuschagne, the podcast explores the psychology of serial killers and violent criminals. It features exclusive interviews, real crime scene analysis, and untold details from notorious cases in South Africa.
Episodes
SHE CAUGHT HIM. THEN THEY LET HIM GO. | The Hillbrow Birthday R@pist
She caught him. The system released him. Then she caught him again.Veteran SAPS detective Joyce Buthelezi joins Paul Llewellyn and Dr Gérard Labuschagne to recount the investigation into Mlungisi Mtshali, the notorious Hillbrow Birthday Rapist.Joyce recognised a pattern in three rape dockets, helping uncover an offender who lured young women with an elaborate birthday story before attacking them i
The Ballito Bomber: We Warned About This | Jacqueline Herbst
Weeks before the attack on a six-year-old girl at a school in Umhlali, Profiler Africa examined a teenage suspect linked to an alleged bomb plot at Ballito Junction shopping mall.Now Paul Llewellyn and Dr Gérard Labuschagne return to the case with investigative journalist Jacqueline Herbst of the North Coast Courier, who broke the original story.Jacqueline discusses her investigation, the reported
45 Mass Killings: What’s Driving South Africa’s Violence? | Julian Rademeyer
South Africa has recorded 45 mass-killing attacks in 2026, involving at least 210 deaths and 79 wounded.Paul Llewellyn and Dr Gérard Labuschagne are joined by investigative journalist and organised-crime specialist Julian Rademeyer, author of Killing for Profit.They examine the criminal economies behind South Africa’s mass violence — including gangs, extortion, illegal mining, taxi conflict and il
KEMPTON PARK SERIAL KILLER? How Police Decide If Cases Are Linked | Elmarie Myburgh
Are the Kempton Park killings linked — and how would investigators actually establish that?Lt Col (Ret) Elmarie Myburgh brings around four decades of policing experience, including nearly three decades in investigative psychology and criminal profiling, to a detailed conversation with Paul Llewellyn about how suspected serial cases are actually investigated.They unpack linkage analysis, modus oper
KEMPTON PARK SERIAL KILLER? Your Questions Answered
After more than 100,000 people watched Profiler Africa's first Kempton Park investigation, viewers sent us their questions.Former SAPS criminal profiler Dr Gérard Labuschagne returns to examine what is known about the deaths of nine women and what remains unconfirmed.How would police establish whether the cases are linked? Could there be multiple offenders? Could more victims remain undiscover
Kempton Park Serial Killer? | Five Bodies. One Killer?
Kempton Park Serial Killer? | Five Bodies. One Killer?Five women's bodies have been discovered over roughly two months, with the first four recoveries concentrated around Kempton Park and Rhodesfield and a fifth case reported in Olifantsfontein.Paul Llewellyn and former head of SAPS Investigative Psychology Dr Gérard Labuschagne examine whether some of the deaths could be connected — and what
The Knysna Murders: Did They Get the Right Man?
In 2005, Jessica Wheeler and Victoria Stadler were murdered less than a month apart in Knysna.The crime scenes appeared very different. But investigators began to suspect that the two young women had been murdered by the same offender.Dr Gérard Labuschagne — then Commander of the SAPS Investigative Psychology Unit — was brought into the investigation to conduct a behavioural linkage analysis.DJ He
Inside the FBI’s Year-Long Profiler Training at Quantico | Carlo Schippers
What was it actually like to train as a criminal profiler at the FBI Academy at Quantico when profiling was still an emerging discipline?In 1990, Amsterdam homicide detective Carlo Schippers was selected to spend an entire year at Quantico, training and working alongside some of the pioneers of modern criminal profiling.John Douglas was running the unit. Carlo was taught by figures including Rober
He Hid Behind Trust | The Brian Mudyiwayana Investigation
Brian Mudyiwayana did not rely on force to find his victims.He relied on trust.Lt Col Elmarie Myburgh joins Paul Llewellyn and Dr Gérard Labuschagne to take listeners inside one of South Africa's most disturbing serial murder investigations.The discussion explores how promises of employment and relationships became methods of victim selection, how investigators linked murders across multiple t
Inside The Mind Of A Child Exploitation Offender | Col. Kirsten Clark
Most people assume someone caught with child sexual abuse material is simply looking at images. Investigators, psychologists and behavioural specialists see somethingvery different.In this episode of Profiler Africa, Paul Llewellyn speaks to Dr Gérard Labuschagne and Kirsten Clark about the psychology of child sexual offenders, the growth of online exploitation networks, and the landmark Gerhard A
When a Threat Becomes a Tragedy | School Violence, Warning Signs & Prevention
From the recent Pretoria Boys High controversy to the Primrose Primary shooting and the infamous Krugersdorp sword attack, South Africa has repeatedly been forced to confront the reality of violence in schools.In this episode of Profiler Africa, Paul Llewellyn is joined by Dr Gérard Labuschagne and former SAPS Investigative Psychology specialist Kirsten Clark to examine the warning signs that ofte
Inside the Hunt for the Nasrec Serial Killer | Lt Col Elmarie Myburgh
The murders began appearing across southern Gauteng. Women were being raped, robbed and killed. As investigators started connecting the dots, a disturbing picture emerged — they were hunting a serial offender.In this episode, Paul Llewellyn is joined by former SAPS profiler and investigator Lt Col Elmarie Myburgh to revisit the case of Lazarus Tshidiso Mazingane, the man who became known as the Na
1 in 14 Murders Get Solved in South Africa | Ian Cameron
Chairperson of Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Police, Ian Cameron joins Paul Llewellyn and Gérard Labuschagne to unpack South Africa’s collapsing murder detection system.The discussion explores shocking SAPS detection-rate statistics, overloaded detectives, gang violence, forensic failures, crime intelligence breakdowns, and the growing crisis of public trust in the justice system.The episode
40 Years Hunting Killers | Brig. Danie Hall
Former Hawks Provincial Commander SCI Brig. Danie Hall joins Profiler Africa to discuss 40 years inside SAPS and the evolution of detective work in South Africa.From serial killer investigations and undercover hitman stings to organised crime and investigative psychology, Hall reflects on the realities of policing, teamwork and violent crime investigations.📩 profilerafricainfo@gmail.com🌍 plotshift
Sizzlers Survivor: “I Don’t Want to Die” | Quinton Taylor
In January 2003, nine men were murdered inside a house in Sea Point, Cape Town, in what became known as the Sizzlers massacre. Only one person survived.In this episode of Profiler Africa, Paul Llewellyn speaks to Quinton Taylor — the sole survivor of the massacre — about his life before the attack, the events of that night, and the psychological aftermath of surviving extreme violence. The convers
Confessor Cop: How South Africa’s Legendary Detective Made Killers Talk | Jonathan Morris Interview
Tonight on Profiler Africa, Paul Llewellyn and co-host Gerard Labuschagne are joined by retired Cape Town detective Jonathan Morris — the man many criminals feared not because he used force, but because he understood them.Known as the Confessor Cop, Morris built a reputation for getting murderers, gangsters and serial killers to reveal the truth through preparation, patience and psychological pres
MURDER ON THE MIND | EPISODE 6 | VAN ECK
A date arranged online ended in murder.This episode explores one of South Africa’s most disturbing killer-couple cases — where shared violent fantasy became real-world homicide.We examine pair bonding, deviant reinforcement, belonging, identity, and why two offenders together can become more dangerous than one alone.Follow Profiler Africa on Spotify for premium true crime psychology content.Suppor
MURDER ON THE MIND | EPISODE 8 | RIAAN STANDER
The killer next door.This episode examines how an outwardly ordinary man was able to harbour violent fantasy, target vulnerable victims, and commit brutal murders while appearing normal to those around him.We explore hidden offenders, fantasy life, rage, victim selection, and the psychology of dangerous people who hide in plain sight.Follow Profiler Africa on Spotify for weekly South African true
MURDER ON THE MIND | EPISODE 5 | JOSEPH NTSHONGWANA
Known as the Axeman of Brighton Beach.This episode separates myth from reality by examining why Joseph Ntshongwana is best understood as a spree killer rather than a serial murderer.We explore criminal responsibility, psychiatric defences, mental illness in court, planning behaviour, and how judges assess a guilty mind.Follow Profiler Africa for weekly forensic psychology and criminal case breakdo
MURDER ON THE MIND | EPISODE 4 | TOMMY WILLIAMS
One of South Africa’s longest-active known serial killers.This episode examines how Tommy Williams killed across decades while remaining close to many of his victims.We explore power, control, early violence, social dysfunction, long-term evasion, and the myth of the criminal mastermind.Follow Profiler Africa on Spotify and leave a rating to help more people discover the show.Support the show:👉 ht
MURDER ON THE MIND | EPISODE 3 | GRIEKWASTAD
A family murder that shocked South Africa.This episode examines the Griekwastad murders through forensic psychology — exploring motive, planning, emotional detachment, adolescent violence, and behavioural control.Rather than simply retelling the crime, we ask what psychology can reveal when violence happens inside the family.Follow Profiler Africa for more deep-dive South African true crime conten
MURDER ON THE MIND | EPISODE 2 | STUART “BOETIE BOER” WILKEN
One of South Africa’s most notorious serial killers.This episode explores Stuart “Boetie Boer” Wilken through the lens of forensic psychology — examining trauma, violent fantasy, emotional detachment, escalation, and the limits of rehabilitation.We unpack how extreme offending develops, how offenders rationalise brutality, and why some cases continue to disturb investigators for decades.Follow Pro
MURDER ON THE MIND | EPISODE 1 | THE QUARRY KILLER
One of South Africa’s most disturbing serial murder cases.In this episode of Murder on the Mind, we examine how Richard Nyauza preyed on vulnerable women, used isolation and geography as weapons, and evaded detection for years.The discussion explores serial killer behaviour, victim vulnerability, offender escalation, concealment tactics, and how technology — not criminal genius — ultimately expose
Unsolved: The Cases South Africa Left Behind | With Guest True Crime SA's Nicole Engelbrecht
We are back with one of the most important voices in South African true crime.In this episode, Paul Llewellyn and Profiler Africa co-host Gerard Labuschagne sit down with author and podcaster Nicole Engelbrecht to unpack the reality behind South Africa’s cold cases — and why so many victims are still waiting to be identified, found, or given justice.Nicole’s book Bare Bones focuses on ten unsolved
30 Years of Darkness: Lt Col (Ret.) Elmarie Myburgh on the Frontlines of Serial Crime
In this episode of Profiler Africa, Paul Llewellyn and Professor Gérard Labuschagne are joined by Gerard's former colleague and SAPS legend, Lt Col (Retired) Elmarie Myburgh. Recorded just 14 days after her official retirement, Elmarie reflects on a 30-year career that defined investigative psychology in South Africa.From the founding of the Investigative Psychology Section in 1997 to her expe
When the Dead Have No Name | Victim Identification & Forensic Truth | Profiler Africa
👉 Buy Me a Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/profiler👉 Become a Channel Member: https://www.youtube.com/@PROFILERAFRICA/join👉 Subscribe to Profiler Africa for weekly episodes📩 Contact / sponsorships: profilerafricainfo@gmail.comThis episode of Profiler Africa focuses on one of the most critical — and least visible — parts of the justice system: victim identification.Paul Llewellyn and forensic psyc
How to Spot a Serial Killer? | And other Questions You Always Wanted to Ask a Profiler
👉 Buy Me a Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/profiler👉 Become a Channel Member: https://www.youtube.com/@PROFILERAFRICA/join👉 Subscribe to Profiler Africa for weekly episodes📩 Contact / sponsorships: profilerafricainfo@gmail.comSerial killers are often imagined as obvious — strange, isolated, visibly dangerous.In reality, the greatest danger lies in how ordinary they can appear.In this episode of P
The Case of the Missing Crime Shows
Over the past few months, several of our documentaries temporarily disappeared from this channel.That wasn’t an algorithm issue.It was the result of an ongoing legal battle over ownership, authorship, and exploitation of African-made crime television — a case now before the courts.The documentaries are now back on the channel.We’re asking you to watch, share, and amplify them.To help people unders
Griekwastad | A Family Murder That Still Haunts South Africa | Profiler Africa
This week on Profiler Africa, hosts Paul Llewellyn and Gérard Labuschagne unpack one of the most disturbing family murder cases in South African history — the Griekwastad murders.In a quiet Northern Cape farming town, an entire family was brutally killed. What followed was an investigation that challenged assumptions about motive, youth violence, emotional detachment, and the limits of early detec
Memory on Trial | When Recovered Memories Decide Guilt | Profiler Africa
What happens when a criminal case is built not on physical evidence — but on memory?In this episode of Profiler Africa, co-hosts Paul Llewellyn and forensic psychologist Gerard Labuschagne examine recovered memories and their use in criminal prosecutions.The discussion explores how memory functions, why it is inherently unreliable, and how therapy — when poorly conducted — can unintentionally crea
WHEN RAGE BECOMES MURDER | The Daniel Smit Case
In 2022, a 13-year-old boy was murdered in Klawer after stealing fruit from a garden.The man responsible, Daniel Hugo Smit, chased the child in his vehicle, abducted him, and killed him. Claims of occult influence and diminished responsibility were rejected by the court, which sentenced Smit to life imprisonment.In this episode of Profiler Africa, Paul Llewellyn and forensic psychologist Gerard La
Brighton Beach Axe Murders | Profiling Joseph Ntshongwana
Durban, March 2011.Four men murdered in eight days — two decapitated. All strangers. All ambushed and hacked to death with an axe.The killer: Joseph Phindile Ntshongwana, former Blue Bulls flanker whose life collapsed into delusion, paranoia, and violent psychosis.Family saw the warning signs — hallucinations, erratic behaviour, and a fixed belief in a daughter who didn’t exist.In this episode, fo
POISON IN ELDOS | The Teacher, The Rattex & 46? Days of Lies | Profiler Africa
This week, we break down the case of Annerize LeoniceSmith, who poisoned her partner Russell Kriel, a respected teacherand rugby mentor, and hid his death for 46 days.We explore the domestic violence that led up to the killing, the psychology ofpoisoning, the extended deception, and what the sentencing tells us aboutintimate partner homicide in South Africa.Featuring forensic psychologist Professo
PREDATOR | Inside South Africa’s Most Disturbing Child-Exploitation Case
For over a decade, Gerhard Ackerman operated in plain sight — grooming, abusing, and trafficking young boys under the guise of mentorship and massage therapy.In this unflinching episode of Profiler Africa, Prof Gerard Labuschagne and Paul Llewellyn dissect the psychology behind one of South Africa’s most disturbing child-sex networks.They break down how a trusted man built a hidden empire of explo
Inside Forensic Pathology with Dr Candice Hansmeyer | Life, Death & the Truth Behind the Table
Dr Candice Hansmeyer has spent her career speaking for the dead — first in South Africa’s chaotic mortuaries, now in Canada’s pristine labs.In this deeply human episode of Profiler Africa, she joins Paul Llewellyn and Prof Gerard Labuschagne to unpack the realities of modern forensic pathology.Together they explore:The stark contrast between South Africa’s crisis and Canada’s calmThe emotional and
Kidnap for Ransom in Africa: Inside the World of Real Hostage Negotiators | Profiler Africa
People disappear every day — but what happens when someone is kidnapped for ransom?This week on Profiler Africa, forensic psychologist Gerard Labuschagne and host Paul Llewellyn go deep into the world of kidnap-for-ransom, joined by Vincent Swardt, a veteran crisis-response consultant who’s negotiated releases in DRC, Nigeria, Kenya, and South Africa.Vincent reveals what really happens behind the
The Masoyi Serial Killer: Buried on His Own Property | Profiler Africa
Between 2017 and 2019, five women vanished in Masoyi, Mpumalanga. Their bodies were later found buried on the killer’s own property — a chilling signature of control and dominance.In this episode, Gerard Labuschagne and Paul Llewellyn are joined by Colonel (Ret.) Kirsten Clark, former SAPS Investigative Psychologist & Criminal Behaviour Specialist, to dissect one of South Africa’s most disturb
Brian Harvey: South Africa’s Serial Stalker | Profiler Africa
This week on Profiler Africa, Paul and Gerard Labuschagne unpack one of the strangest and most misunderstood areas in forensic psychology: autoerotic fatality.These are accidental deaths that occur during solo sexual activity when methods used to heighten arousal — like asphyxiation, electrocution, or body wrapping — end in tragedy. Misunderstood, often staged by families, and sometimes mistaken f
Autoerotic Fatality Explained | Profiler Africa with Gerard Labuschagne
This week on Profiler Africa, Paul and Gerard Labuschagne unpack one of the strangest and most misunderstood areas in forensic psychology: autoerotic fatality.These are accidental deaths that occur during solo sexual activity when methods used to heighten arousal — like asphyxiation, electrocution, or body wrapping — end in tragedy. Misunderstood, often staged by families, and sometimes mistaken f
Inside the Mind of the Lone Actor: with New Zealand's Top Profiler
This week on Profiler Africa, Paul and Gerard Labuschagne are joined by Dr Nathan Brooks, a forensic psychologist and senior lecturer recognised internationally for his research on psychopathy and behavioural risk.Dr Brooks has worked with government, law enforcement, and the private sector on threat assessment, lone-actor violence, and personality disorders, and is known for cutting through myths
The Pretoria Railway Killer: Satan, DNA & Serial Murder
This week on Profiler Africa, South Africa's leading forensic psychologist Gerard Labuschagne unpacks one of Pretoria’s most disturbing serial murder cases — the case of Themba Vilakazi, known as the Railway Killer.Between July and November 2005, three males — including an 11-year-old schoolboy — were brutally murdered along Pretoria’s railway lines and near the zoo. Victims were stabbed in th
Profiler Africa: Serial Arsonist Justin Caruso – Fires, Fatalities & the Hero Syndrome
Gérard Labuschagne and Paul Vivare joined by world-renowned arson investigator Ed Nordskog to dissect the chilling case of Justin Caruso, a serial arsonist whose crimes spanned three US states.Caruso’s fires weren’t random. He staged them to look accidental, inserted himself into investigations, and sought recognition as a “hero.” One blaze killed a 74-year-old man in Mesa, Arizona; another nearly
Mother City Massacre: The Sizzlers Story. An Interview with survivor Quinton Taylor
In January 2003, Cape Town was rocked by one of the most brutal mass murders in South African history. Inside a massage parlour called Sizzlers, ten men were bound, tortured, and executed. Nine died. One man — Quinton Taylor — miraculously survived.This was the Sizzlers Massacre: a crime of staggering cruelty, officially recognised as a hate crime against the queer community. The killers, Adam Woe
SA's Queen of True Crime: Nicole Engelbrecht & Gerard Labuschagne on Justice and Parole
This week on Profiler Africa, Paul Viv and Dr. Gerard Labuschagne sit down with Nicole Engelbrecht – South Africa’s leading true crime voice, creator of the chart-topping True Crime South Africa podcast, and author of multiple acclaimed books.In Part 1 of this exclusive two-part interview, Nicole opens up about leaving corporate life to build a victim-first media platform, her journey as an author
Insights of an Operational Forensic Psychiatrist with Dr Peter Collins
This week on Profiler Africa, forensic psychologist Gerard Labuschagne sits down with Peter Collins, a globally recognized operational forensic psychiatrist who’s spent over 30 years on the frontline of violent crime investigations.Collins isn’t a “profiler”—he’s a psychiatrist who’s shaped how police understand, manage, and investigate high-risk offenders. From hostage negotiations and threat ass
The Westonaria Strangler: Justice in the Shadows
This week, forensic psychologist Gerard Labuschagne takes us inside one of South Africa’s most disturbing — yet largely ignored — serial murder cases.Between 2007 and 2009, 16 women and a child were raped, strangled and dumped in the bushveld around Westonaria and Lenasia. Most victims were unidentified. Many were unemployed, vulnerable, and invisible to the public eye. But not to their killer — M
SAPS in Crisis: A System Collapsing from Within
For years, Profiler Africa has warned that cracks were forming inside South Africa’s law enforcement system. This week, those cracks turned into a full-blown fracture.Explosive allegations by KZN Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi — pointing to a criminal syndicate operating within the SAPS — have forced the President’s hand, sidelined the Police Minister, and plunged the country into chaos.In
🚨 SYSTEM FAILURE: The Rosebank Police Station Shooting
This week on Profiler Africa, South Africa's leading forensic psychologist Gerard Labuschagne takes us inside a shocking event that rocked an affluent Johannesburg suburb: the 2011 Rosebank Police Station shooting. More than just a lone disgruntled employee, this case exposes the dangerous cracks within law enforcement and the chilling reality of workplace violence.We delve into:The Perpetrato
Harvested Alive: The Truth About ‘Muti’ Murders in South Africa
This week on Profiler Africa, forensic psychologist Gérard Labuschagne uncovers the terrifying world of muti murders — killings where body parts are harvested for traditional medicine. These aren’t random acts of violence. They’re deliberate, driven by belief, greed, and an underground economy that thrives in the shadows.We dive into:What muti murder really means — and why it’s not just “ritual”A
The Hostage Whisperer: Inside SAPS' Elite Negotiation Unit with Dr Ernst Strydom
This week, Profiler Africa goes behind the scenes of South Africa’s most high-stakes standoffs with Dr Ernst Strydom — SAPS’ former National Coordinator of Hostage Negotiations.Host Paul Llewellyn and forensic psychologist Gerard Labuschagne dig into the psychology of crisis and negotiation, guided by the man who trained the nation’s negotiators and led SAPS through hijackings, bomb threats, and t
A Fine White Treason | Inside the Boeremag’s deadly plot to overthrow South Africa
In this explosive episode, Paul and Gerard sit down with retired Colonel Tollie Vreugdenburg — former head of SAPS Counter-Terrorism — to expose the chilling truth behind one of the most dangerous domestic terror plots in South African history: the Boeremag.This white supremacist militia planned to bomb the country into civil war, assassinate Nelson Mandela, and launch a violent coup. But thanks t
Blood on the Land: The Human Toll of South Africa’s Farm Murders
This week on Profiler Africa, we go deep into one of the most brutal and misunderstood crime waves in South Africa — farm murders.Host Paul Llewellyn and forensic psychologist Gerard Labuschagne are joined by veteran detective Gawie “Sakkie” Louwrens, who’s investigated over 300 farm killings. Now retired from SAPS, Sakkie leads an independent rural crime unit taking on what the police can’t — or
Farm Murders: Crime, or Conspiracy?
Profiler Africa | Episode Out NowWho’s really killing who in South Africa?In one of our most explosive episodes yet, Paul Llewellyn and forensic psychologist Gerard Labuschagne sit down with Dr Chris de Kock, former head of SAPS Crime Research, to pull the mask off one of South Africa’s most politicised crime topics: farm murders.Forget the hashtags, headlines, and hype. We’re cutting through the
Profiling Killers: From South Africa to Scotland Yard
Psychologist. Intelligence specialist. Co-author of Killer Stories. This week, Paul and Gerard sit down with Brin Hodgskiss for a heavyweight conversation on the dark art of criminal profiling — from Johannesburg to the UK.Brin’s career spans burglary to terrorism, serial rape to murder, with 15 years in British law enforcement after starting out in SAPS. Now with the NHS, he brings that same insi
🔥 When Fire Becomes Murder: Profiling Arsonists with Ed Nordskog
No case breakdown. No fluff. Just a gripping conversation with one of the world’s top arson and bombing experts.We’re joined by Ed Nordskog—retired arson/bomb investigator for the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department, FBI instructor, US Marine vet, and author of six essential books on fire-related crime. With over 2,100 arson cases under his belt and profiles on dozens of serial arsonists, Ed is the r
🎙️ Talking about Murder with Tshego Paledi: Profiler Meets Telling the Told & Untold
What’s it like creating true crime content in South Africa? This week, we sit down with YouTuber and storyteller Tshego Paledi (44K+ subscribers) for a raw, behind-the-scenes look at life in the local crime content game.No case breakdowns—just an honest convo about the highs, hate, ethics, and emotional toll of documenting real stories of violence, injustice, and survival.From the cases that chang
Stolen from the womb: Caesarean Kidnapping
This week: one of the rarest — and most horrifying — crimes on earth. A baby ripped from the womb in a violent act of theft.We go deep into the case of Loretta Cook, a 24-year-old from Toekomsrus, whose web of lies led to murder and left a newborn fighting for life.South Africa has seen not one, but at least three known caesarean kidnappings — an almost unheard-of crime globally. Why here? Why now
The Psychology of Murder with Finland’s Leading Profiler Dr. Helinä Häkkänen
We're stepping out of the morgue and into the mind — with one of the world’s top forensic psychologists.This week on Profiler Africa, our guest is Dr. Helinä Häkkänen, a Finnish powerhouse whose work has shaped war crimes trials, courtroom psychology, and criminal investigations from South Africa to The Hague. With over 60 publications and a career advising the ICC and European law enforcement, sh
The Horrors of Stewart 'Boetie Boer' Wilken: South Africa’s Most Notorious Killer
In this episode of Profiler Africa, we take a deep dive into the terrifying case of Stewart Wilken, South Africa's most notorious serial killer. Wilken's killing spree, which spanned the early 1990s, left a trail of horrific murders that shocked the nation. Through an in-depth analysis of his background, his brutal crimes, and the dark psychology behind his actions, we uncover the twisted
The Seesig Monster: Inside the mind of Kyle Ruiters with Col. (ret.) Kirsten Clark
In this episode of Profiler Africa, we’re joined by Colonel (Ret.) Kirsten Clark, former SAPS Investigative Psychologist and Criminal Behaviour Specialist, to discuss the chilling case of Kyle Ruiters. Clark conducted a psychological assessment of Ruiters in 2019, offering rare insight into his mindset, disturbing obsessions, and the dark psychological profile that emerged from her report.Ruiters,
The Krugersdorp Cult Killings with Author Jana Marx
In this episode of Profiler Africa, we’re joined by Jana Marx, author of The Krugersdorp Cult Killings: Inside Cecilia Steyn's Reign of Terror, as she takes us through the disturbing story of the Electus Per Deus cult. Between 2012 and 2016, a group led by Cecilia Steyn carried out a series of brutal murders, driven by religious extremism, manipulation, and revenge. Steyn used her influence to bra
Shocking Courtroom Moments: A Crime Reporter's View with Jana Marx
What really happens inside South Africa’s courtrooms? What is it like to cover the country’s most gripping murder trials?In this episode of Profiler Africa, we sit down with Jana Marx, an award-winning journalist and true crime author, to uncover the hidden world of crime reporting. From high-profile cases to shocking behind-the-scenes moments, Jana shares what it takes to bring the truth to light
The murder of Reeva Steenkamp by Oscar Pistorius
The Oscar Pistorius trial remains one of the most infamous criminal cases in South African history. Twelve years after Reeva Steenkamp’s tragic death, the case continues to spark debate about justice, privilege, and rehabilitation.In this episode of Profiler Africa, forensic psychologist Gerard Labuschagne, who was part of the prosecution team, joins Paul Llewellyn to break down the facts. What re
Crime, Power & the Law: A conversation with Advocate Gerrie Nel
In this episode of Profiler Africa, we’re joined by one of South Africa’s most respected legal minds, Gerrie Nel.With a career spanning decades, Nel has prosecuted some of the country’s most high-profile cases, including the conviction of former police chief Jackie Selebi and leading the Oscar Pistorius murder trial. We explore his early years as a prosecutor, the challenges of working within Sout
Hillbrow Killer Cop Marius van den Heever
In 1994, ex-cop Marius van den Heever was convicted of three brutal murders, arson, and weapons theft. Sentenced to life, he spent decades behind bars—until 2018, when the High Court overturned his denied parole and set him free.How does a convicted killer walk free? What changed?In this episode of Profiler Africa, Paul Llewellyn and forensic psychologist Gerard Labuschagne break down the case. Ge
The Pastor's Murder: Inside an Intimate Partner Murder Mystery
In October 2021, respected pastor Liezel de Jager returned home from her morning jog—only to be ambushed and murdered just steps from her front door. The attack was brutal, the motive unclear. Years later, her husband, Werner de Jager, was arrested for the crime—but before he could stand trial, he took his own life.In this episode of Profiler Africa, we delve into the psychological complexities of
A Serial Killer in the Making? An interview with the murderer Jose da Silva
In 2002, forensic psychologist Gerard Labuschagne walked into his first crime scene—a brutal murder that would lead to the capture of Axe Killer Jose da Silva. But what happened next was even more chilling.In this episode of Profiler Africa, we take you inside the case with rare, unnerving audio of Gerard’s interview with the killer—recorded just hours after his arrest, in the very bathroom where
Body Of Evidence: Stories from behind the Pathologist's knife with guest Dr Hestelle van Staden
Forensic pathologists uncover the final truths that the dead leave behind. Their work tells the untold stories of crime, tragedy, and justice—one autopsy at a time.In this episode of Profiler Africa, we sit down with Dr. Hestelle van Staden, a forensic pathologist dedicated to deciphering the secrets held within the human body. From high-profile murder cases to overlooked tragedies, she reveals th
Forensic Pathology in South Africa with Dr Shakeera Holland
Forensic pathology is at the heart of criminal investigations—determining causes of death, uncovering hidden evidence, and bringing crucial facts to court. But what really happens behind the autopsy table?In this episode of Profiler Africa, we’re joined by Dr. Shakeera Holland, Head of the Department of Forensic Medicine and Pathology at the University of the Witwatersrand. With years of experienc
The Forensic Science of Identifying Bodies with Lawrence Hill
In rural South Africa, a grim discovery: human remains with no identity, no backstory, and no immediate leads. How do forensic experts step in to solve the mystery?From analyzing bone fragments to DNA profiling and isotopic science, forensic specialists use cutting-edge techniques to uncover who the victim was, where they came from, and what happened to them. These methods not only help solve crim
The Murder of Jacques du Plessis by Mariska du Plessis
On the night of June 23, 2017, Mariska du Plessis made two chilling calls to the police. In the first, she claimed her husband was violently attacking her and their son. Less than 20 minutes later, her second call told a different story—Jacques du Plessis had been shot by intruders.But what really happened that night?Mariska later claimed self-defense, citing battered woman syndrome, but investiga
The Murder of Gabriela Kabrins Alban
In this episode of Profiler Africa, forensic psychologist Gerard Labuschagne unpacks the shocking murder of Gabriela Kabrins Alban, a successful marketing executive from California who was found brutally killed in a Cape Town hotel room. Her boyfriend, Diego Novella, a wealthy Guatemalan national with a history of drug use, was later convicted of her murder.We explore the toxic dynamics of their r
Teenage Serial Killer: The Vredendal Murderer
We’re diving into the chilling case of a teenage serial killer from Vredendal in the Western Cape. At just 14 years old, he committed his first violent crime—and his reign of terror only escalated. But could he have been stopped earlier?Join us as we unravel the harrowing details of his crimes, examine the failures that allowed him to keep killing, and ask the haunting question: Where is he now?Th
A Typical South African Serial Killer The Quarry Revisited
How Gerard and his team tracked down the Quarry Killer. We revisit a case we've discussed before on the audio pod, this time we get to really deep dive into the case and how it unfolded with crime scene photographs, forensics and more. Head over to Youtube to watch!
The Tokoloshe Killer: Elifasi Msomi
This week on Profiler Africa, we uncover the chilling case of Elifasi Msomi, infamously known as "The Axe Killer" & "The Tokoloshe Killer". Between 1953 and 1955, Msomi, from southern KwaZulu-Natal, claimed he was driven by a tokoloshe—an evil spirit—to commit 15 brutal murders. His actions left an indelible mark on South African history, shocking the nation and raising complex questions about
SA's Youngest Serial Killer
Paul & Gerard discuss the case of SA’s youngest ever female serial killer. Join the chat Live on Profiler Africa on Youtube Tuesdays at 8pm CAT.
The Serial Killer Catcher: Micki Pistorius
This Week on Profiler Africa: A True Crime ExclusiveFor the first time ever, South Africa’s premier criminal profilers—Gerard Labuschagne and Micki Pistorius—sit down for an unmissable conversation. Micki, the trailblazing founder of the forensic psychology section at the South African Police Service (SAPS), and Gerard, her successor, take you behind the scenes of profiling the country’s most chil
The Murder of Anisha van Niekerk
In 2008, the brutal murder of Anisha van Niekerk shocked South Africa. This week, Profiler Africa takes you inside the case with forensic psychologist Gerard Labuschagne and retired Lt. Col. Jan de Lange, who led the investigation. Together, they unravel the sequence of events and the evidence that brought clarity to a deeply unsettling crime.What were the key breakthroughs in the investigation? H
The Murder of Susan Rohde
In this episode of Profiler Live, we delve into the mysterious death of Susan Rohde. Was it a tragic suicide, or was there something more sinister behind it? Jason Rohde, a wealthy businessman, became the central figure in a case that raised as many questions as it answered.Join Paul Llewellyn and forensic psychology expert Gerard Labuschagne as they break down the complex details of this case. Fr
PROFILER EP 38 - The Rosebank Police Station Shooting
In 2011, tragedy struck the Rosebank police station in Johannesburg when a disgruntled police clerk attacked station commander Lieutenant Colonel Thandi Mkhize and Captain Neelavathi Naidu before turning the gun on himself. The incident, which occurred following a recent disciplinary hearing where the clerk was found guilty of mishandling firearms, shocked the nation and left lingering questions a
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