Murder and Mayhem: South African True Crime

Bella Monsoon

The Murder & Mayhem: South African True Crime podcast explores real life crimes occurring within South Africa from a psychological viewpoint. Every week a new case is examined and we delve head-first into the motives that drive people to do what they do. Join me on a journey into the minds behind the madness. read less

Episode 32 | Barbarous: The Heartbreaking Case of Allison Plaatjies
Feb 28 2023
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 time but instead of joy- resentment was building. Bitter at his own failings and unable to accept accountability for his behaviours, he did something so horrific that the small town of Clanwilliam would never forget. On that fateful day in October, the only mistake that this woman would make was trusting the wrong person. This is the heartbreaking case of Allison Plaatjies   For images, sources and real footage of the individuals and the case mentioned, please visit my Youtube Channel- Bella Monsoon where this case has been covered in video format HERE.   SHOP the Self-Defense Range: https://bellamonsoon.com/product-category/self-defense/ Mental Health Resources: If you are feeling triggered by any of the content within this podcast please reach out and speak to someone. A full list of worldwide mental health channels is available on my website bellamonsoon.com but if you are in South Africa- you can contact SADAG on 0800 12 13 14.   Support the Show on Patreon : https://www.patreon.com/join/BellaMonsoon Support the Show on Paypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/bellamonsoon Subscribe and follow Murder and Mayhem on Apple Podcasts,  Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify or your favourite podcast listening platforms
Episode 31 | Hidden Truths: The Disturbing Case of Meghan Cremer
Feb 8 2023
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, there now seems to be more questions than ever before.    This is the disturbing and mysterious case of Meghan Cremer.   For images, sources and real footage of the individuals and the case mentioned, please visit my Youtube Channel- Bella Monsoon where this case has been covered in video format HERE.   For the BackABuddy link mentioned in the episode- please visit: https://www.backabuddy.co.za/champion/project/for-meghan   SHOP the Self-Defense Range: https://bellamonsoon.com/product-category/self-defense/ Mental Health Resources: If you are feeling triggered by any of the content within this podcast please reach out and speak to someone. A full list of worldwide mental health channels is available on my website bellamonsoon.com but if you are in South Africa- you can contact SADAG on 0800 12 13 14.   Support the Show on Patreon : https://www.patreon.com/join/BellaMonsoon Support the Show on Paypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/bellamonsoon Subscribe and follow Murder and Mayhem on Apple Podcasts,  Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify or your favourite podcast listening platforms
Episode 29 | Predator: The Tragic Murder of Tazne Van Wyk
Dec 14 2022
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 concerns of the leniency and judgement of South Africa’s legal system. She was not his first victim; but she will hopefully be the last.   This is the story of a life cut short and a man too twisted to comprehend. This is Tazne Van Wyk’s story.   For images, sources and real footage of the individuals and the case mentioned, please visit my Youtube Channel- Bella Monsoon where this case has been covered in video format HERE.   SHOP the Self-Defense Range: https://bellamonsoon.com/product-category/self-defense/ Mental Health Resources: If you are feeling triggered by any of the content within this podcast please reach out and speak to someone. A full list of worldwide mental health channels is available on my website bellamonsoon.com but if you are in South Africa- you can contact SADAG on 0800 12 13 14.   Support the Show on Patreon : https://www.patreon.com/join/BellaMonsoon Support the Show on Paypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/bellamonsoon Subscribe and follow Murder and Mayhem on Apple Podcasts,  Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify or your favourite podcast listening platforms
Episode 28 | Double Life: The Sunday Rapist- Johannes Jacobus Steyn
Nov 14 2022
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 tv just as a familiar face flashes across the screen. The words ‘suspect’ appear below the identikit of this rather unremarkable but yet recognisable face. The woman stifles a gasp and immediately reaches over for her phone. On the other end of the line- the police hear a female speaking and she says: “I saw the identikit and I think I know the man you’re looking for”.   This is the story of the serial crimes of a callous and cruel man. This is the disturbing case of Jacobus Johannes Steyn.   For images, sources and real footage of the individuals and the case mentioned, please visit my Youtube Channel- Bella Monsoon where this case has been covered in video format HERE.   SHOP the Self-Defense Range: https://bellamonsoon.com/product-category/self-defense/ Mental Health Resources: If you are feeling triggered by any of the content within this podcast please reach out and speak to someone. A full list of worldwide mental health channels is available on my website bellamonsoon.com but if you are in South Africa- you can contact SADAG on 0800 12 13 14.   Support the Show on Patreon : https://www.patreon.com/join/BellaMonsoon Support the Show on Paypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/bellamonsoon Subscribe and follow Murder and Mayhem on Apple Podcasts,  Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify or your favourite podcast listening platforms
Episode 26- Evil Within: Serial Killer Boetie Boer | Stewart Wilken
Sep 27 2022
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 victims suffered cruel and harsh deaths at his hands. He would also become an anomaly, one of the only known serial killers in history to end the life of his own flesh and blood.  This is the disturbing case of Stewart Wilken- known to many as Boetie Boer. For images, sources and real footage of the individuals and the case mentioned, please visit my Youtube Channel- Bella Monsoon where this case has been covered in video format HERE. Mental Health Resources: If you are feeling triggered by any of the content within this podcast please reach out and speak to someone. A full list of worldwide mental health channels is available on my website bellamonsoon.com but if you are in South Africa- you can contact SADAG on 0800 12 13 14.   Support the Show on Patreon : https://www.patreon.com/join/BellaMonsoon Support the Show on Paypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/bellamonsoon Subscribe and follow Murder and Mayhem on Apple Podcasts,  Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify or your favourite podcast listening platforms
Episode 25- Uninvited: The Norwood Serial Killer - Jacobus ’Kobus’ Geldenhuys
Sep 19 2022
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 acts often are the least suspecting people. So what do you do when you realise that evil can lurk within the people you trust to serve and protect? What do you do when you come face to face with pure darkness but it doesn’t look the way you thought it would? How do you really spot a serial killer? This is the case of the unsuspecting predator and serial offender- Jacobus Petrus Geldenhuys.   For images, sources and real footage of the individuals and the case mentioned, please visit my Youtube Channel- Bella Monsoon where this case has been covered in video format HERE. Mental Health Resources: If you are feeling triggered by any of the content within this podcast please reach out and speak to someone. A full list of worldwide mental health channels is available on my website bellamonsoon.com but if you are in South Africa- you can contact SADAG on 0800 12 13 14.   Support the Show on Patreon : https://www.patreon.com/join/BellaMonsoon Support the Show on Paypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/bellamonsoon Subscribe and follow Murder and Mayhem on Apple Podcasts,  Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify or your favourite podcast listening platforms
Episode 24- Pure Evil: The Wemmer Pan Serial Killer Cedric Maake
Sep 10 2022
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 discussing one such killer- a man who used five different methods of killing; a man who didn’t pursue one type of victim; a man who remains a terrifying enigma. This is the case of one of the most cold-blooded serial killers South Africa has ever known- Cedric Maake.   For images, sources and real footage of the individuals and the case mentioned, please visit my Youtube Channel- Bella Monsoon where this case has been covered in video format HERE. Mental Health Resources: If you are feeling triggered by any of the content within this podcast please reach out and speak to someone. A full list of worldwide mental health channels is available on my website bellamonsoon.com but if you are in South Africa- you can contact SADAG on 0800 12 13 14.   Support the Show on Patreon : https://www.patreon.com/join/BellaMonsoon Support the Show on Paypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/bellamonsoon Subscribe and follow Murder and Mayhem on Apple Podcasts,  Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify or your favourite podcast listening platforms
Episode 23- Nightmare in Suburbia: The Adlington Family Murders
Aug 26 2022
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 chosen to make this area their home- taking evening walks along the vlei and having afternoon sundowners as the sun sets behind the mountains. One such family were the Adlingtons. Debbie, Tony, Kevin, Katelyn and Craig. The perfect family; the perfect life. But things are not always as they seem. This is the case of the Adlington Family Murders.   For images, sources and real footage of the individuals and the case mentioned, please visit my Youtube Channel- Bella Monsoon where this case has been covered in video format HERE. Mental Health Resources: If you are feeling triggered by any of the content within this podcast please reach out and speak to someone. A full list of worldwide mental health channels is available on my website bellamonsoon.com but if you are in South Africa- you can contact SADAG on 0800 12 13 14.   Support the Show on Patreon : https://www.patreon.com/join/BellaMonsoon Support the Show on Paypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/bellamonsoon Subscribe and follow Murder and Mayhem on Apple Podcasts,  Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify or your favourite podcast listening platforms
Episode 21- Ruthless Relations: The Murders of Jesse Hess and Chris Lategan
Aug 1 2022
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 justice would never be served. Although the 18 year old girl who was killed had her life come to a tragic end, her dream of being well-known one day by many would be manifested into reality, just not in the way she had ever imagined or hoped.    A life cut short and a life brutally ended- this is the tragic case of the murders of Jesse Hess and Chris Lategan   For images, sources and real footage of the individuals and the case mentioned, please visit my Youtube Channel- Bella Monsoon where this case has been covered in video format HERE. Mental Health Resources: If you are feeling triggered by any of the content within this podcast please reach out and speak to someone. A full list of worldwide mental health channels is available on my website bellamonsoon.com but if you are in South Africa- you can contact SADAG on 0800 12 13 14.   Support the Show on Patreon : https://www.patreon.com/join/BellaMonsoon Support the Show on Paypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/bellamonsoon Subscribe and follow Murder and Mayhem on Apple Podcasts,  Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify or your favourite podcast listening platforms
Episode 20- Sinister Son:The Crimes of Ruan Van Heerden
Jul 22 2022
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 media. And as the months went on, the case took many twists and turns with justice seeming as though it would never be served.  The question on everyone’s mind though-what causes a child to attack his own parents?   This is the disturbing case of the crimes of Ruan Van Heerden   For images, sources and real footage of the individuals and the case mentioned, please visit my Youtube Channel- Bella Monsoon where this case has been covered in video format HERE. Mental Health Resources: If you are feeling triggered by any of the content within this podcast please reach out and speak to someone. A full list of worldwide mental health channels is available on my website bellamonsoon.com but if you are in South Africa- you can contact SADAG on 0800 12 13 14.   Support the Show on Patreon : https://www.patreon.com/join/BellaMonsoon Support the Show on Paypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/bellamonsoon   Subscribe and follow Murder and Mayhem on Apple Podcasts,  Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify or your favourite podcast listening platform
Episode 19- Sinful Scheme: The Throb Nightclub Tragedy
Jul 10 2022
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 would need to be taken in order to increase the feet in their venue. But things went horribly wrong. And with everything that has been happening in these last 2 weeks, this tragedy brings to light- once again many societal issues.   This is the case of the Throb Nightclub Tragedy.   For images, sources and real footage of the individuals and the case mentioned, please visit my Youtube Channel- Bella Monsoon where this case has been covered in video format HERE. Mental Health Resources: If you are feeling triggered by any of the content within this podcast please reach out and speak to someone. A full list of worldwide mental health channels is available on my website bellamonsoon.com but if you are in South Africa- you can contact SADAG on 0800 12 13 14.   Support the Show on Patreon : https://www.patreon.com/join/BellaMonsoon Support the Show on Paypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/bellamonsoon   Subscribe and follow Murder and Mayhem on Apple Podcasts,  Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify or your favourite podcast listening platform
Episode 18- Ill-Fated Encounter: The Senseless Murders of Brett Goldin And Richard Bloom
Jun 30 2022
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 inconceivable manner. The culprits? Other young men, under the influence of mind-altering substance and searching for something far from legal to get upto.    This is the case of the senseless murders of Brett Goldin and Richard Bloom. For images, sources and real footage of the individuals and the case mentioned, please visit my Youtube Channel- Bella Monsoon where this case has been covered in video format HERE. Mental Health Resources: If you are feeling triggered by any of the content within this podcast please reach out and speak to someone. A full list of worldwide mental health channels is available on my website bellamonsoon.com but if you are in South Africa- you can contact SADAG on 0800 12 13 14.   Support the Show on Patreon : https://www.patreon.com/join/BellaMonsoon Support the Show on Paypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/bellamonsoon   Subscribe and follow Murder and Mayhem on Apple Podcasts,  Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify or your favourite podcast listening platform
Episode 17- Poisonous Patriarchy: The Heartbreaking Case of Zoliswa Nkonyana
Jun 20 2022
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 cases paint a different picture. Although Cape Town is seen and recognized as a city that embraces all members of society no matter their orientation- just a 15 minute drive out of the city- everything changes. Here, in Khayelitsha- being your true self is dangerous and sometimes deadly. It was the case for one woman- in the prime of her life with so much more living to do. Her life was tragically and violently ended- for no reason other than pure contempt and hatred. This is the heartbreaking case of Zoliswa Nkonyana For images, sources and real footage of the individuals and the case mentioned, please visit my Youtube Channel- Bella Monsoon where this case has been covered in video format HERE. Mental Health Resources: If you are feeling triggered by any of the content within this podcast please reach out and speak to someone. A full list of worldwide mental health channels is available on my website bellamonsoon.com but if you are in South Africa- you can contact SADAG on 0800 12 13 14.   Support the Show on Patreon : https://www.patreon.com/join/BellaMonsoon Support the Show on Paypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/bellamonsoon   Subscribe and follow Murder and Mayhem on Apple Podcasts,  Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify or your favourite podcast listening platform
Episode 16- Last Dance: The Kirvan Fortuin Case
Jun 10 2022
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 narrative of equality, respect and love whilst empowering the impoverished community they came from. And quite ironically it was this same community that would lead to their tragic and untimely demise right in the middle of a month that is dedicated to raising awareness for the LGBTQI+ community. This is the case of Kirvan Fortuin. For images, sources and real footage of the individuals and the case mentioned, please visit my Youtube Channel- Bella Monsoon where this case has been covered in video format HERE. Mental Health Resources: If you are feeling triggered by any of the content within this podcast please reach out and speak to someone. A full list of worldwide mental health channels is available on my website bellamonsoon.com but if you are in South Africa- you can contact SADAG on 0800 12 13 14.   Support the Show on Patreon : https://www.patreon.com/join/BellaMonsoon Support the Show on Paypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/bellamonsoon   Subscribe and follow Murder and Mayhem on Apple Podcasts,  Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify or your favourite podcast listening platform
Episode 14- Making a Man: The Tragic Case of Raymond Buys
May 18 2022
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- eventually losing his battle after suffering over 61 injuries- amongst them a broken arm, ribs and chemical burns.  And it would later turn out that he was not the first to suffer this horrendous fate. But his story would catapult this disturbing reality into the media.   This is Raymond Buys story.   For images, sources and real footage of the individuals and the case mentioned, please visit my Youtube Channel- Bella Monsoon where this case has been covered in video format HERE. Mental Health Resources: If you are feeling triggered by any of the content within this podcast please reach out and speak to someone. A full list of worldwide mental health channels is available on my website bellamonsoon.com but if you are in South Africa- you can contact SADAG on 0800 12 13 14.   Support the Show on Patreon : https://www.patreon.com/join/BellaMonsoon Support the Show on Paypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/bellamonsoon   Subscribe and follow Murder and Mayhem on Apple Podcasts,  Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify or your favourite podcast listening platform
Episode 13- Husband from Hell: The Avril Gordon Case
May 9 2022
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 hers was one of the most horrifying cases of domestic abuse ever recorded in their city. Her willpower and strength is testimony to the amazing woman she is.   This is the story of Avril Gordon. If you, someone you know or someone you suspect is a victim of domestic violence, please say something. If you are in South Africa, you can call the Domestic Violence helpline on 0800 150 150 or the GBV hotline on 0800 428 428. Both are toll free numbers which incur no charges. For images, sources and real footage of the individuals and the case mentioned, please visit my Youtube Channel- Bella Monsoon where this case has been covered in video format HERE.   Mental Health Resources: If you are feeling triggered by any of the content within this podcast please reach out and speak to someone. A full list of worldwide mental health channels is available on my website bellamonsoon.com but if you are in South Africa- you can contact SADAG on 0800 12 13 14.   Support the Show on Patreon : https://www.patreon.com/join/BellaMonsoon Support the Show on Paypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/bellamonsoon   Subscribe and follow Murder and Mayhem on Apple Podcasts,  Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify or your favourite podcast listening platform