Profiler: True Crime 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 shocking case of a mother who killed her own childHow investigators navigate cultural taboos, community silence, and legal blind spotsWhy justice rarely comes for the victimsRecorded live on YouTube | 1 JulyHosted by Paul Llewellyn & Gerard LabuschagneSupport the show:🔗 Patreon.com/profilerafrica💌 Questions? Email: profilerafricainfo@gmail.comFollow Profiler AfricaSpotify | Apple | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook🌍 More at: plotshiftcrime.co.za

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 terrorist incidents.🔍 In this episode:What makes a hostage-taker tick — and how negotiators break the cycleInside SAPS responses to terrorism, kidnappings, and mass casualty eventsThe anatomy of a standoff — and what finally makes people crackWhere SAPS got crisis psychology right… and where it didn’t👤 About our guest:Dr Ernst Strydom is a retired SAPS colonel, educational psychologist, and one of South Africa’s leading voices in hostage negotiation and trauma response. Over 30 years, he built and led the country’s negotiation units, trained over 70 teams, and represented SAPS internationally — including at the FBI Academy.🧠 New episodes weekly. Subscribe and follow to stay updated.📩 Got questions or feedback? Email: profilerafricainfo@gmail.com🔗 More: plotshiftcrime.co.zaFollow Profiler Africa on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen.

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 to Tollie and a small team of investigators, South Africa narrowly avoided its own 9/11.Inside the episode:Who the Boeremag were — and why they were more dangerous than you think“Document 12”: the plan for a white ethnostateBombings, betrayal, and a doomsday that almost happenedHow the police cracked the plot just in timeReligious prophecy, survivalism, and apocalyptic racismWhy this case still matters todayAbout our guest:Col. Tollie Vreugdenburg led the SAPS investigation that brought the Boeremag down. A veteran of Limpopo’s Murder and Robbery unit, he was central to exposing the coup plot. He also contributed to The High Treason Club, the definitive book on the case.🎥 Watch the full episode on YouTube: Profiler Africa📅 Premiering Tuesday 10 June, 8pm CATSupport & Follow:Patreon: patreon.com/profilerafricaYouTube Memberships | Super Likes | IG | Twitter | FacebookWebsite: plotshiftcrime.co.za📩 Questions for Gerard, or the team?Email us: profilerafricainfo@gmail.com#ProfilerAfrica #Boeremag #HighTreason #SouthAfricanTrueCrime #DomesticTerror #SAPS #MandelaPlot #ColTollieVreugdenburg #GerardLabuschagne #PaulLlewellyn

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 won’t.Forget the headlines and political spin. This episode is about the real people living — and dying — on South Africa’s farms.🔍 What we cover:What the stats really say about farm attacksWhy economics, not race, drives most of these crimesSix harrowing cases: torture, arson, air rifles, and moreThe myth of “white genocide” and how it hurts real preventionSurvivors, families, and the frontline investigatorsWhat needs to change to break the cycle🧠 Guest:Gawie “Sakkie” Louwrens — 26 years in SAPS, former head of Limpopo’s murder and organised crime unit, now founder of Bosveld Misdaad Ondersoeke, an independent rural crime task team.—New episodes every Tuesday🕗 This week’s episode drops 3 June at 8pm CAT—Support the show:Become a member: youtube.com/profilerafrica/joinPatreon: patreon.com/profilerafricaSuper Likes = shoutouts 🎉Follow Profiler AfricaInstagram | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube | Spotify | Apple Podcasts🔗 plotshiftcrime.co.za

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 myth, the fear, and the politics — and getting to the truth.What farm murders are — and what they’re notWhether white farmers are being specifically targetedWhy the “white genocide” narrative won’t dieWhat SAPS stats say vs. AfriForum's claimsHow race, media and fear shape the national storyWhat needs to change in how we talk about and prevent rural crimeDr Chris de Kock is South Africa’s former head of Crime Information Analysis at SAPS. For decades, he’s been inside the system — and he knows what the numbers really say.📺 Watch the full episode on YouTube🕗 Tuesday 27 May | 8PM CAT🔗 Become a YouTube member here🎁 Join our Patreon: patreon.com/profilerafrica💬 Got a question for us? Email: profilerafricainfo@gmail.com📲 Subscribe & follow us everywhere:    • Instagram    • Twitter    • Facebook    • Spotify    • Apple Podcasts    • Website: plotshiftcrime.co.za🔎 This episode unpacks:🎙️ Guest Spotlight:💥 Support & Connect:

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 insight to storytelling, consulting on the psychology of narrative and transformation.We get into:Profiling: SA vs UK — what’s different, what worksThe inner monologues of serial offendersInterviewing violent criminals (hint: it’s nothing like Netflix)How story drives both crime and rehabilitationWhat police psychology can teach us outside the interrogation room🎧 Killer Stories: Conversations with South African Serial Murderers is out now.Coming Next Week: Farm Murders, Fear & FactsWe’re live with Chris de Kock — former SAPS head of Crime Information Analysis — cutting through the noise on rural violence.We unpack:What the stats on farm murders really sayThe roots of the “white genocide” mythWho’s most at risk of violent crime in SAHow SAPS is shifting its rural crime strategy📺 Watch it live on YouTube | Tues 27 May, 8PM CAT on YoutubeSupport Profiler AfricaJoin our Patreon: patreon.com/profilerafricaBecome a YouTube Member for bonus contentDrop a Super Like and we’ll shout you outFollow & Subscribe📱 Instagram | Twitter | Facebook🎙️ Spotify | Apple Podcast🌍 plotshiftcrime.co.za💬 Got a question for Gerard or our guests? Email us: profilerafricainfo@gmail.com

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 real deal.Together with Paul and Gerard, he unpacks:– What makes a serial arsonist tick– How investigators track killers who burn– The brutal realities of fire death scenes– Why arson is one of the most overlooked serial crime types in the worldIf you’re into criminal profiling, forensic psych, or just want to hear from someone who’s literally walked through fire for justice—this one’s for you.🎙️ Support Us:Patreon: patreon.com/profilerafrica📲 Follow Profiler Africa:Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube | plotshiftcrime.co.za#EdNordskog #ProfilerAfrica #TrueCrime #ArsonInvestigation #SerialArsonists #ForensicPsychology #FireSetters #TrueCrimeInterview #CriminalProfiling #CrimeExperts #GerardLabuschagne #PaulLlewellyn #CrimePodcast #ArsonDetective #TrueCrimeCommunity #ForensicScience #RealCrimeStories #LawEnforcementInsights #CriminalInvestigation #CrimeContent

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 changed her to the criticism she faces, Tshego joins Paul and Gerard to unpack what it really means to tell the told and untold in a country where crime is personal, political, and often painful.A must-listen for anyone in the true crime space—or anyone who consumes it.🌟 Support the Show:Patreon: patreon.com/profilerafrica📲 Follow Profiler Africa:Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube | plotshiftcrime.co.za📲 Follow Tshego Paledi:Instagram: @tshegopaledi | TikTok: @tellingthetolduntold | Twitter: @tshego_paledi#TrueCrimeCreators #ProfilerAfrica #TshegoPaledi #TellingTheToldAndUntold #CrimeContent #SouthAfricanYouTube #GerardLabuschagne #ForensicPsychology #TrueCrimeCommunityChatGPT said:

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?Gerard Labuschagne and Paul Llewellyn unpack:Why women fake pregnancies and kill to make them realHow these crimes are planned, not impulsiveWhat forensic psychology reveals about killers who seem "normal"And how society’s pressure to be a mother can turn deadly🔪 This is true crime at its most disturbing — and most revealing.💡 Support Profiler Africa• Join us on Patreon → patreon.com/profilerafrica• Become a YouTube Member for extras• Hit Super Like — every bit helps📩 Got questions for Gerard?Email: profilerafricainfo@gmail.com🎧 Listen, follow, share.Profiler Africa — wherever you get your true crime fix.#ProfilerAfrica #CaesareanKidnapping #TrueCrime #ForensicPsychology #FoetalAbduction #SouthAfricanCrime #CriminalProfiling

He murdered his family with an axe — thencalmly called emergency services like nothing happened.We're digging into one of South Africa’s mostshocking crimes: the brutal axe murders committed by 20-year-old Henri van Breda.In 2015, inside the family’s luxury estate inStellenbosch, Henri killed his parents and brother—and nearly murdered his teenage sister, who somehow survived. The aftermath? A strange 911 call, self-inflicted wounds, and a trial that exposed chilling levels of control, detachment, and deceit.What turns a privileged young man into a familyannihilator? What does the psychology say about motive, manipulation, and remorse? And how close did he come to getting away with it?We unpack the twisted mind behind the massacre,the forensic psychology, and the courtroom battle that followed. With expert insight from Dr. Gerard Labuschagne, former head of SAPS’ Investigative Psychology Unit.🔥 Support the Show→ Join our Patreon: patreon.com/profilerafrica→ Become a YouTube Member for extras→ Drop a Super Like on YouTube — we’ll shout you out in the next episode!📬 Get Involved→ Subscribe on YouTube and hit the bell→ Email us: profilerafricainfo@gmail.com→ Share the show. Help us keep South African true crime alive.#ProfilerAfrica #HenriVanBreda #TrueCrimeSA#ForensicPsychology #FamilyMurder #CriminalMind #SouthAfricaCrime #GerardLabuschagne

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, she’s the real deal — no drama, just science.We unpack what real profiling looks like — far from the TV nonsense. From prepping witnesses for court using cutting-edge trauma techniques, to the psychological anatomy of sex crimes and stalking, Dr. Häkkänen lays it bare. Plus: what it’s like working on the frontline of war crime prosecutions, and the ethical minefield of being an expert witness.Forget the trench coats and catchphrases. This is profiling, unplugged.🎙 Support the Show• Join our Patreon: patreon.com/profilerafrica• Smash that Super Like — we’ll shout you out next week.📡 Stay Connected• Subscribe on YouTube + hit the bell.• Questions for Gerard or our guests? Email: profilerafricainfo@gmail.com#ProfilerAfrica #TrueCrimePodcast #ForensicPsychology #CriminalProfiling #DrHelinäHäkkänen #WarCrimes #ExpertWitness #PsychologyOfCrime #BehindTheProfile

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 motivations that drove his reign of terror.From his troubled childhood in Boksburg to his descent into violence, we’ll explore how Wilken’s traumatic experiences shaped his need for power, control, and revenge. We’ll also break down the disturbing details of his crimes, including necrophilia and cannibalism, and discuss how his chilling confessions and obsessive behavior contributed to his infamy.🔍 Get a rare look into the mind of one of South Africa's most infamous killers and the psychological factors that led to his violent rampage.📢 Support the Show:Join our Patreon: patreon.com/profilerafrica for exclusive content.Follow & Subscribe: Stay updated on new episodes.Leave a Review: Help us bring more South African true crime stories to the world.🎥 Watch full episodes on YouTube!Visit ⁠Profiler Africa on YouTube⁠ and subscribe for expert insights into true crime, courtroom drama, and investigative journalism.#TrueCrime #ProfilerAfrica #StewartWilken #ForensicPsychology #CriminalMind #SAJustice #PsychologyOfMurder #CrimeSceneInvestigation

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, who brutally murdered and dismembered his victim, displayed traits of narcissism, manipulation, and a dangerous preoccupation with control and power. In tonight’s episode, we’ll unpack Clark’s findings, from his early childhood issues to his fascination with serial killers and his disturbing lack of empathy. We’ll also explore the broader implications of personality disorders in violent offenders and what this case reveals about criminal psychology in South Africa.🔍 Get an inside look into the mind of a killer and the complex psychological factors that drive violent crime. 📢 Support the Show: Join our Patreon: patreon.com/profilerafrica for exclusive content. Follow & Subscribe: Stay updated on new episodes. Leave a Review: Help us bring more South African true crime stories to the world.🎥 Watch full episodes on YouTube! Visit Profiler Africa on YouTube and subscribe for expert insights into true crime, courtroom drama, and investigative journalism.#TrueCrime #ProfilerAfrica #KyleRuiters #ForensicPsychology #CriminalMind #SAJustice #PsychologyOfMurder #CrimeSceneInvestigation

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 brainwash followers into believing they were on a divine mission, leading to a chilling and violent rampage.Jana’s book exposes the twisted inner workings of this cult, and in this episode, we’ll walk you through the gruesome details of the murders, the complex investigation, and the eventual trial that brought the perpetrators to justice.🔍 Get an inside look into the shocking world of cults, brainwashing, and the devastating impact of their actions.📢 Support the Show:• Join our Patreon: ⁠patreon.com/profilerafrica⁠ for exclusive content.• Follow & Subscribe: Stay updated on new episodes.• Leave a Review: Help us bring more South African true crime stories to the world.🎥 Watch full episodes on YouTube! Visit ⁠Profiler Africa on YouTube⁠ and subscribe for expert insights into true crime, courtroom drama, and investigative journalism.#TrueCrime #ProfilerAfrica #CultKillings #SAJustice #CrimeReporting #InvestigativeJournalism #ElectusPerDeus #CeciliaSteyn

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.🔍 Get an insider’s look at true crime journalism, the challenges of reporting on brutal cases, and the stories that have stayed with her over the years.📢 Support the Show:• Join our Patreon: patreon.com/profilerafrica for exclusive content.• Follow & Subscribe: Stay updated on new episodes.• Leave a Review: Help us bring more South African true crime stories to the world.🎥 Watch full episodes on YouTube! Visit Profiler Africa on YouTube and subscribe for expert insights into true crime, courtroom drama, and investigative journalism.#TrueCrime #ProfilerAfrica #CourtroomSecrets #SAJustice #CrimeReporting #CriminalMinds #InvestigativeJournalism #InsideTheCourtroom

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 really happened on that fateful night? What do we know for certain? And how did the case evolve through the legal system—from trial to sentencing to parole?🔊 Listen in as we unpack the key moments, forensic evidence, and legal battles that shaped this case.📢 Support the Show:• Join our Patreon: patreon.com/profilerafrica for exclusive content.• Follow & Subscribe: Stay updated on new episodes.• Leave a Review: Help us bring more South African true crime and forensic analysis to the world.🎥 Watch full episodes on YouTube! Visit Profiler Africa on YouTube and subscribe for expert insights into true crime, forensic psychology, and the justice system.#TrueCrime #ProfilerAfrica #OscarPistorius #ReevaSteenkamp #JusticeSystem #ForensicAnalysis #SouthAfricanCrime #CriminalPsychology #ParoleDebate #InvestigativeJournalism

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 South Africa’s complex legal and political landscape, and the lasting impact of his work on the justice system.From his time with the Scorpions to his current work with AfriForum’s private prosecution unit, Nel offers unparalleled insight into the evolving landscape of South African law and what it takes to fight for justice in a system under pressure.📢 Support the Show:• Join our Patreon: patreon.com/profilerafrica for exclusive content.• Follow & Subscribe: Stay updated on new episodes.• Leave a Review: Help us bring more South African true crime and legal analysis to the world.🎥 Watch full episodes on YouTube! Visit Profiler Africa on YouTube and subscribe for in-depth discussions on true crime, forensic psychology, and legal insights.#TrueCrime #ProfilerAfrica #SouthAfricanCrime #GerrieNel #OscarPistorius #JusticeSystem #SAJustice #CrimeAndLaw #CriminalProsecution #InvestigativeJournalism

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. Gerard personally assessed van den Heever for parole in 2014, offering rare insight into a man who convinced the system he was no longer a threat.We dissect the crimes, the parole process, and the psychology behind "rehabilitation."📢 Support the Show:• Join our Patreon: patreon.com/profilerafrica for exclusive content.• Follow & Subscribe: Stay updated on new episodes.• Leave a Review: Help us bring more South African true crime stories to the world.🎥 Watch full episodes on YouTube! Visit Profiler Africa on YouTube and subscribe for expert insights into true crime and forensic psychology.#TrueCrime #ProfilerAfrica #ParoleDebate #JusticeSystem #ForensicAnalysis #SouthAfricanCrime #CriminalPsychology #MurderInvestigation #CrimeAndPunishment #SAJustice #CrimeDocumentary #InvestigativeJournalism #PsychologyOfCrime #CriminalMind

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 intimate partner homicide. What drives a spouse to kill? Why do some offenders display post-crime remorse, while others show none?Joining us is criminologist Naomi Griffiths, a former SAPS investigator with years of experience in serious and violent crime. Together, we analyze the forensic details, behavioral red flags, and the justice system’s handling of the case.📢 Support the Show:• Join our Patreon: patreon.com/profilerafrica for exclusive content.• Follow & Subscribe: Stay updated on new episodes.• Leave a Review: Help us bring more South African true crime stories to the world.🎥 Watch full episodes on YouTube! Visit Profiler Africa on YouTube and subscribe for expert insights into true crime and forensic psychology.#TrueCrime #ProfilerAfrica #SouthAfricanCrime #ForensicFiles #PsychologyOfMurder #SAJustice #CriminalMind #IntimatePartnerHomicide

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 the murder took place. It’s a raw, unfiltered glimpse into the mind of a murderer and the investigative process that ended his reign of terror.📢 Support the Show:• Join our Patreon: patreon.com/profilerafrica for exclusive content.• Follow & Subscribe: Stay updated on new episodes.• Leave a Review: Help us bring more South African true crime stories to the world.🎥 Watch full episodes on YouTube! Visit Profiler Africa on YouTube and subscribe for exclusive true crime content and forensic insights.#TrueCrime #ProfilerAfrica #SouthAfricanCrime #ForensicFiles #CrimeSceneInvestigation #PsychologyOfMurder #SAJustice #CriminalMind