How did she help catch the Norwood killer? Former journalist Janine Lazarus tells all

How did she help catch the Norwood killer? Former journalist Janine Lazarus tells all

'Bait - To Catch A Killer' is the story of how Janine Lazarus, a young crime reporter, helped the South African police catch the Norwood rapist and serial killer, Kobus Geldenhuys.

Janine Lazarus
Jacaranda FM/ Kyle Cestari

Author Janine Lazarus made her name as an investigative journalist back in the early 1990s. 

READ: Entrepreneur Nicky van der Walt launches restaurant and wine during pandemic

One of the most famous cases she reported on was the Norwood serial rapist and killer, Kobus Geldenhuys, whom she became obsessed with. 

Geldenhuys raped two victims and murdered five in the early 1990s in Johannesburg.

Lazarus broke just about every rule in newsroom ethics as she became increasingly obsessed with Kobus

READ: Hloni Bookholane: The highs and the lows of 'Becoming A Doctor' in SA

Her memoir, 'Bait: To Catch A Killer', is a riveting behind-the-headlines true-crime memoir with a most unusual twist; the book explores fascinating newsroom ethics and questionable police procedures while delving into the power relationship between a reporter, an editor, and a serial killer who is oh-so-close. 

In a five-part JacPod series - featuring Lazarus; Jacaranda FM news editor Marius van der Walt, and various guest contributors - explore central themes in the book.

Tune in to the 'Scenic Drive with Rian', weekdays from 16:00-19:00. Stream the show live here or download our mobile app here.

Image Credit: Jacaranda FM

Show's Stories