Profiler is a weekly discussion between journalist Paul Llewellyn & former Head of Forensic Investigation at the South African Police Service, Gerard Labuschagne, who worked on over 300 serial murder and rape cases in his career. Hear the stories behind the killers who stalk the streets of South Africa.
Wed, January 01, 2025
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? This is a case that Gerard Labuschagne worked on personally, so you’ll get unparalleled insights and the ultimate insider perspective. Don’t miss this gripping episode of Profiler Africa. 🌟 Support the Show: Become a member on YouTube for extra content, and more. Join our Patreon community at patreon.com/profilerafrica and support the show. Drop a Super Like to help us create more episodes like this—and we’ll give you a shoutout in the next show! ➡️ Engage with Us: Visit youtube.com/profilerafrica and hit the like button and subscribe to support local true crime storytelling. Click the notification bell so you never miss an episode. Send us your questions for future Q&A episodes with Gerard—we’ll answer them live on air! 🔗 Don’t forget to check out Derek Riedle's True Crime Room for even more gripping true crime content. Thank you for your support.
Wed, January 01, 2025
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 culture, belief, and justice. Join us as we unravel the psychological and cultural dimensions of Msomi's crimes, the historical context of the investigation, and the supernatural claims that complicated the pursuit of justice. 🌟 Support the Show: Become a member on YouTube for extra content, and more. Join our Patreon community at patreon.com/profilerafrica and support the show. Drop a Super Like to help us create more episodes like this—and we’ll give you a shoutout in the next show! ➡️ Engage with Us: Visit youtube.com/profilerafrica and hit the like button and subscribe to support local true crime storytelling. Click the notification bell so you never miss an episode. Send us your questions for future Q&A episodes with Gerard—we’ll answer them live on air! 🔗 Don’t forget to check out Derek Riedle's True Crime Room for even more gripping true crime content. Thank you for your support.
Wed, January 01, 2025
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? How did the psychological profiling and investigative techniques help uncover the truth? Gerard and Jan share their personal experiences, shedding light on the challenges and decisions that shaped the outcome of the case. 🌟 Support the Show: Become a member on YouTube for extra content, and more. Join our Patreon community at patreon.com/profilerafrica and support the show. Drop a Super Like to help us create more episodes like this—and we’ll give you a shoutout in the next show! ➡️ Engage with Us: Visit youtube.com/profilerafrica and hit the like button and subscribe to support local true crime storytelling. Click the notification bell so you never miss an episode. Send us your questions for future Q&A episodes with Gerard—we’ll answer them live on air! 🔗 Don’t forget to check out Derek Riedle's True Crime Room for even more gripping true crime content. Thank you for your support.
Wed, January 01, 2025
This Week on Profiler Africa: A True Crime Exclusive For 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 chilling cases. From serial killers to high-profile investigations, this episode delivers unparalleled insights and stories only they can share. Don’t miss this rare meeting of two brilliant minds who shaped the very foundations of forensic psychology in South Africa. 🌟 Support the Show: Become a member on YouTube for extra content, and more. Join our Patreon community at patreon.com/profilerafrica and support the show. Drop a Super Like to help us create more episodes like this—and we’ll give you a shoutout in the next show! ➡️ Engage with Us: Visit youtube.com/profilerafrica and hit the like button and subscribe to support local true crime storytelling. Click the notification bell so you never miss an episode. Send us your questions for future Q&A episodes with Gerard—we’ll answer them live on air! 🔗 Don’t forget to check out Derek Riedle's True Crime Room for even more gripping true crime content. Thank you for your support.
Wed, January 01, 2025
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. From key evidence to the theories that still swirl around Susan’s death, we explore the twists and turns of this gripping story. 🔴 Don’t forget to visit Youtube and like, subscribe, and hit the bell to stay updated with all our true crime content. Support the show and get exclusive content: 👉 Become a Friend of the Pod on Patreon.com/profilerafrica 👉 Sign up for YouTube Membership for behind-the-scenes access. Also, don’t miss True Crime Room with Derek Riedle on Youtube. #TrueCrime #SusanRohde #MurderOrSuicide #SouthAfrica #ProfilerLive #ForensicPsychology #MurderMystery
Wed, January 01, 2025
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!
Wed, January 01, 2025
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.
Thu, April 11, 2024
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 about motive and mental state. Join us as we explore the heart-wrenching events of that fateful day and delve into the broader implications of this senseless act of violence.
Wed, March 13, 2024
On March 13, 2024, Sifiso Mkhwanazi was convicted of the brutal murders of six Johannesburg sex workers. These heinous crimes occurred between April and October 2022 within the confines of his father's panel beating workshop located in downtown Joburg. Delving into the intricate details of the case, Gerard unfolds the chilling narrative as recounted by the perpetrator himself during a recent interview. Unveiling the grim reality behind this serial killer's actions, Gerard sheds light on the dark underbelly of the City of Gold.
Sun, March 03, 2024
We're diving into a case that rocked the quiet neighborhood of Bellville in Cape Town. It was August 21, 2019, when Lynette Volschenk, known for her gentle nature and dedication to her work, crossed paths with Kyle Ruiters, who would later infamously be dubbed the Seesig Monster. Their encounter unleashed a nightmare scenario, shedding light on Kyle's dark obsession with serial killers and leading to a crime that horrified the nation. Join us as we uncover the chilling details of this tragic event and explore its lasting impact.
Mon, February 12, 2024
Gerhard Ackerman was convicted on charges of rape, human trafficking and the unlawful possession, creation and distribution of child pornography. Ackerman was also found guilty of attempted murder for “selling” the sexual services of a youth to disgraced advocate Paul Kennedy, who he knew was HIV-positive. This is the story of one of the bad guys.
Fri, January 26, 2024
In episode two we deep-dive into the story of Anisha Van Niekerk, and how Gerard and Jannie De Lange worked tirelessly to solve the case and bring justice to the family.
Fri, January 26, 2024
In episode one, we meet one of South Africa's most accomplished investigators, retired Lt Colonel and IPS Lead Detective, Jannie De Lange. We discuss his career highs and lows and his relationship with Gerard, as they reminisce about their time together and some of their favourite cases.
Thu, January 25, 2024
We're back! Catching up on the state of the nation, and deep diving into the fact that some very interesting criminals are being released on parole. Through the lens of the Oscar Pistorius, Station Strangler & Donovan Moodley cases, we interrogate the parole system and whether certain people should once again be walking amongst us.
Mon, January 16, 2023
During 2005 four bodies were found in Pretoria, the capital city of South Africa, along the railway tracks. This led to a serial murder task team being formed. The case would take 8 more years to solve. It would take patience, solid police work...and a little bit of luck, to ultimately catch a serial killer!
Mon, January 09, 2023
We go behind the scenes of crime prevention to discuss the technologies that are applied in local law enforcement, with Peter Fryer, who has spent decades providing the latest tech to the local police, and the private security industry, through companies such as Forensic Tools & Risk Diversion. What is out there, and how is it currently being used by the police in particular? This episode delves quite deeply into where the fundamental problems are within the mechanics of local law enforcement. By way of a disclaimer, the outlook is pretty scary, so grab a stress ball for this one...
Fri, December 30, 2022
An incredible first conversation with retiring Colonel Tollie Vreugdenburg, the Head of South Africa's counter terrorism efforts, about his incredible career. We focus today on 'Die Boeremag' case. You'd better sit down for incredible insights into why SAPS likely closed down the specialist units, to just how close Nelson Mandela came to losing his life. The episode marks the Colonel's retirement from service.
Fri, December 16, 2022
In this episode we take a fascinating deep dive into the world of Forensic Pathology with one of SA's leading experts, and a life long devotee to the profession, Dr Hestelle van Staden.
Fri, December 09, 2022
In Newcastle, a town between Joburg and Durban in South Africa, in 2004, four men are murdered over the period of a year. All are killed in or around the exercise park bordering the town. Two of the incidents take place when the killer interrupts young couples engaging in romantic activities. He rapes the woman in each case, but he lets them live. The murders are brutal and the killer leaves little evidence. How will police eventually catch this incredibly dangerous murderer?
Tue, November 29, 2022
On 28 November 2019 the Crimes Against the State (CATS) unit of the South African Police Service (SAPS) arrested Harry Johannes Knoesen (60) at his girlfriend’s home in Witbank, South Africa. The charge? Contravening the Protection of Constitutional Democracy Against Terrorist and Related Activities Act (33 of 2004) by preparing and planning to carry out terrorist attacks, and soliciting support for an entity engaged in terrorist activity. The following day three co-conspirators were arrested. The plan was to take over the country, a lofty one. How had they intended to do it and how did police ultimately catch up with them?
Mon, November 14, 2022
“I want you to help me because when I am with a woman, I lose control and don’t know what I am doing. I kill all of them if they don’t give me what I want”...meet serial killer Jack Mogale, the subject of this week's episode.
Mon, November 07, 2022
In this episode we chat with Nicole Engelbrecht, creator and host of the True Crime South Africa Podcast, and author of 'Samurai Sword Murder', which tells the story of Morne Harmse, who attacked a number of people with a samurai sword at the Nic Diederichs high school in Krugersdorp in 2008.
Mon, October 31, 2022
On 23 June 2017 Mariska du Plessis made two calls to the police. In the first at 22:55 she said that her husband, was attacking her son and herself. In the second, made at 23:15, she advised police that her husband had been shot by intruders. So what actually happened?
Mon, October 24, 2022
This week we discuss some current cases, including the discovery of the bodies of murdered sex workers in downtown Joburg recently. Plus, we break down Forensic Psychology, and Gerard explains how you might set about learning to do what he does!
Mon, October 17, 2022
Around the time of US president Barrack Obama’s visit to Sub-Saharan Africa in June/July 2013 an emailed death threat was received by the US consulate in Johannesburg. This is the story of the man who sent it.
Mon, October 10, 2022
That one case that Gerard was determined to see through to a conviction. How Gerhard janse van Vuuren murdered his girlfriend Andrea Venter, and then tried to get away with it.
Thu, March 24, 2022
We travel back to 2010 and discuss the case of Brian Harvey who stalked over 40 women.
Wed, March 02, 2022
In the space of just 8 days in March 2011 Joseph Ntshongwana killed four people, some of whom he decapitated with an axe.
Wed, March 02, 2022
More catching up...this time we talk about Gerard's 2nd book and tease the cases within it.
Fri, February 18, 2022
Profiler is back with new episodes. Paul catches up with Gerard to discuss his book, surviving a pandemic, and his thoughts on the current state of the police and crime in SA. Oh...and don't worry we will be giving away that book on social media!
Thu, March 11, 2021
In 2002, Gerard attended his first crime scene. It was that of the murder victim of Jose da Silva, who would become known as the Axe Killer. Hear the true audio from the interview conducted by Gerard, in the bathroom, where he killed his victim, on the day he was arrested. A gripping insight into the mind of a killer!
Fri, February 26, 2021
The incredible tale of South Africa's longest active serial killer. Upon his conviction the Judge said “The State (and here I include the two prosecutors and the SAPS investigating team) have excelled in investigating and prosecuting this case to its ultimate successful conclusion. The difficulties should be self-evident, given the fact that the 1987 matter occurred twenty two years ago, the inquest docket had been destroyed and material witnesses have passed away or have retired. The same obstacles presented themselves to a lesser extent in the 2004 matter. Dogged persistence and diligent investigation coupled with meticulous prosecution have borne fruit for the State. The investigation and prosecution teams are deserving of commendation and we unreservedly oblige.” This then is their story.
Thu, February 18, 2021
I would strangle them while having sex. I would go into another world when I am strangling them and raping them. When I was strangling them, they would go limp, like a jellyfish, made me feel like a king .... I had sex with some of the dead bodies. Then I can have my ecstasy. Then I can do things the way I wanted to, there is no screaming and chaos. I would fantasize about the murder and masturbate at the body also (an excerpt from an interview in 2006, with the serial killer Stewart Boetie Boer Wilken).
Thu, February 04, 2021
In this episode we discuss a series of murders that took place in Knysna over a one-month period in Autumn, 2005. They became known as The Knysna Murders. Heinrich van Rooyen, a young DJ, was convicted for the murders of Jessica Wheeler(18) and Victoria Stadler(20).
Tue, August 27, 2019
In this episode we discuss Violent Fantasy illustrated through the murder of Michael van Eck in Welkom in 2011. Michael was lured via a dating app to a secluded area, where he was murdered and dismembered. Later his face was skinned. What drove two people to do this?
Tue, August 20, 2019
Kobus Geldenhuys, the Norwood Serial Killer, committed house robberies, rapes and murders in the early 1990s in Johannesburg. A policeman, he raped 2 victims and murdered 5. Gerard interviewed Kobus from 1996 to 2001, and again in 2011.
Thu, August 15, 2019
In this episode we discuss a current case. A murderer, dubbed the Nocturnal Prowler, is believed to be killing homeless people in Pretoria. We unpack the case, profile the killer, and learn what to expect as the case unfolds.
Thu, May 23, 2019
In this episode we explore Fetal Abduction, otherwise known as Cesarean Kidnapping. These crimes involve the forced removal, by means of a crude caesarean-section, of an unborn child. This may or many not involve the subsequent death of the mother. In recent history, 21 incidents of this crime have taken place around the world. There have been 4 incidents in South Africa, we discuss 3 of them.
Wed, May 15, 2019
In this episode we discuss the phenomenon of Muti Murder. Muti murder is defined as a murder in which body parts are removed from a live victim for the sole purpose of using the victim's body parts medicinally. These body parts are then often mixed with other ingredients or used alone to make a medicine called muti. Muti is a Zulu (umuthi) word meaning medicine. The victim usually dies as a result of blood loss from the wounds. While muti murders have occurred throughout history in South African culture, little is known about them and little research exists on the phenomenon.
Thu, April 18, 2019
In this episode we discuss the Hillbrow Birthday Rapist who was convicted on 112 of 122 counts against him which included 39 counts of rape, 11 compelled rapes, 1 sexual assault, 15 kidnappings, 15 assaults, 2 assault GBH and 29 thefts. He was sentenced to 39 life sentences & 212 years
Thu, April 11, 2019
In this episode we discuss the Griekwestad family murders. Don Steenkamp murdered his father Deon Steenkamp (44) his mother Christel (43) and his sister Marthella (14) on April 6, 2012. We are joined by Bronwynn Stollarz. Bronwynn is a Clinical Psychologist. She resigned from SAPs special investigative psychology section on the rank of Colonel. In the IPS she was the section commander of the Forensic Psychology sub-section, in charge of the forensic psychologists in the unit. She has worked on a wide range of psychologically motivated crimes, from single sexual murders, to family murders to rape series. She worked on high profile cases such as the Oscar Pistorius case, and the Van Breda family murders in Stellenbosch.
Wed, April 03, 2019
In this episode we discuss the Port Elizabeth Prostitute Killer, Riaan Stander, who murder sex workers Lee-Ann Rondganger and Noxolo Ngqoyiya in 2007.
Thu, March 28, 2019
In this episode we discuss the history and status of serial crime in SA and learn how the cops are trained to catch serial criminals.
Wed, March 20, 2019
In this episode we discuss the history and evolution of profiling, and we profile the Johannesburg Mine Dump Murderer.
Mon, March 11, 2019
Profiler is a weekly discussion between journalist Paul Llewellyn & former Head of Forensic Investigation at the South African Police Service, Gerard Labuschagne, who worked on over 300 serial murder and rape cases in his career. Hear the stories behind the killers who stalk the streets of South Africa. In this episode we discuss serial murder in SA and the Quarry Killer.
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