Inside the minds of SA serial killers
South Africa's history of crime is complex and chilling, and
few things delve deeper into that darkness than the minds of its most notorious
serial killers.
In the new book 'Killer Stories', psychologist Brin Hodgskiss and true-crime podcaster Nicole Engelbrecht invite readers on a journey into the psychology of these killers.
Its deeply psychological approach sets 'Killer Stories' apart from typical crime narratives.
Hodgskiss conducted interviews with some of South Africa's most dangerous criminals in maximum-security prisons, exploring not just their crimes but the stories they told themselves to justify their actions.
These interviews remained untouched for years until Engelbrecht, creator of the award-winning podcast, True Crime South Africa, came across Hodgskiss's research. Together, they transformed this material into a compelling narrative that goes beyond the surface of true crime.
Engelbrecht, well known for her True Crime South Africa podcast - which has garnered close to 10 million downloads - partnered with Jacaranda FM to bring these captivating stories to an even wider audience. The Afrikaans version, True Crime South Africa – die Afrikaanse weergawe, is narrated by Jacaranda FM's beloved newscaster, Gerda de Sousa, bringing these gripping tales to Afrikaans-speaking listeners.
'Killer Stories' offers a disturbing yet thought-provoking look into how these killers’ life stories shaped their paths. The book invites readers to consider the unsettling notion that, in some cases, their narratives aren't so different from our own—an insight that lingers long after the final page.
'Killer Stories' is a must-read if you're a fan of true crime stories.
ABOUT THE AUTHORS:
BRIN HODGSKISS was born and raised in Johannesburg and has worked with the SA and UK police on investigations tackling everything from burglary and terrorism to murder and rape. He has published in international journals, as well as presented academically, and on TV and radio, on the topic of serial murder. He works in England's National Health Service and is a freelance consultant in the psychology of storytelling.
NICOLE ENGELBRECHT is the creator and host of one of SA's biggest podcasts, True Crime South Africa, and is the author of 'Samurai Sword Murder: The Morne Harmse Story' and 'Sizzlers: The Hate Crime That Tore Sea Point Apart'.
Meanwhile, if you're a fan of True Crime podcasts, check out True Crime South Africa below.
Or, listen in Afrikaans to Jacaranda FM's spin-off, narrated by Gerda de Sousa. Binge episodes from season one and two below:
Listen to Jacaranda FM:
- 94.2
- Jacaranda FM App
- http://jacarandafm.com
- DStv 858/ OpenView 602
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Main image: Supplied