When a well-known magistrate is found murdered in her home, the Crimes Against the State unit are called in to investigate what could be another terrible silencing of a voice of justice. The truth behind Romay van Rooyen's murder, though, was far closer to home.

This episode was first released in the Patreon feed in Feb 2025

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(Support the show on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/truecrimesa) (Support the show on PayPal https://www.paypal.me/truecrimesa) (Get TCSA and General True Crime Merch on sacriminologist.co.za 10% off with code TCSA sitewide) Instagram · Pinterest · Facebook · YouTube · Twitter · LinkedIn

This is a crossover episode from Jonathan Ball's Pagecast podcast. In this episode, Nicole Engelbrecht is interviewed by journalist and director of Beauty and the Bester, Anthony Molyneaux about Nicole's new book: Bare Bones: Cold Cases From True Crime South Africa Instagram · Pinterest · Facebook · YouTube · Twitter · LinkedIn

This is a crossover episode from Jonathan Ball's Pagecast podcast. In this episode, Nicole Engelbrecht is interviewed by journalist and director of Beauty and the Bester, Anthony Molyneaux about Nicole's new book: Bare Bones: Cold Cases From True Crime South Africa

In 2023, a middle-aged accountant stood in the dock in the JHB Specialised Crimes Court at Palm Ridge and received a 25 year sentence. Her unassuming appearance belied the 13 years she had spent systematically draining her employer's bank account. In the end, the judge would say that this was the most significant financial crime he had ever presided over. Steenkamp, though, claimed it wasn't all her fault.

This episode was first published in the Patreon feed in October 2024 Instagram · Pinterest · Facebook · YouTube · Twitter · LinkedIn

When a family of four is attacked in their home and there is only one survivor, with a regularly alternating version of what occurred, Vanderbijlpark police quickly become suspicious. When the truth is finally revealed, it is far more horrendous than anyone could ever have imagined. (24-hr trauma helpline 082-821-3447) (Support the show on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/truecrimesa) (Support the show on PayPal https://www.paypal.me/truecrimesa) Instagram · Pinterest · Facebook · YouTube · Twitter · LinkedIn

The brand-new release movie Shelby Oaks hits cinemas across South Africa today, and in addition to being an incredible film in the horror genre, it also brings several true crime themes to the fore. When Riley Brennan goes missing her sister Mia is thrust into the world of missing people and the ambiguous loss and deep desperation that accompanies the experience. In this companion podcast - brought to you by Empire Entertainment - we delve down into this most raw of human experiences and explore real-life examples of missing person cases that changed families, communities and the world.

Shelby Oaks releases in cinemas nationwide on 24 October 2025. Do not miss it! Instagram · Pinterest · Facebook · YouTube · Twitter · LinkedIn

In 2002 Claudia Mokone was killed after being struck with shrapnel from a bomb blast near her home. Her senseless death was part of a much larger plan for a group of men who called themselves the Boeremag. In this episode I discuss the case, the group and their trial with the author of the book The High Treason Club, Karin Mitchell, and the SAPS detective who cracked the case, Col. Tollie Vreugdenburg.
(24-hr trauma helpline 082-821-3447) (Support the show on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/truecrimesa) (Support the show on PayPal https://www.paypal.me/truecrimesa) Instagram · Pinterest · Facebook · YouTube · Twitter · LinkedIn

In 2004 a recreation spot in Newcastle became the hunting ground for a serial predator. In a series of crimes that mirrored the still-unsolved Zodiac series in the US, couples seeking out some alone time in the park were targeted. The killer's arrest would occur in the most unexpected way. (24-hr trauma helpline 082-821-3447) (Support the show on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/truecrimesa) (Support the show on PayPal https://www.paypal.me/truecrimesa) Instagram · Pinterest · Facebook · YouTube · Twitter · LinkedIn

Recent headlines about SA influencers promoting an allegedly exploitative work program in Russia had the public in an uproar, but those who work in the entertainment industry were less surprised. In this episode I explore the dark side of the glitzy photos and bright lights of fame. I'm joined by the incredible Rosie Motene who shares personal insights from her 30 years in the industry.
Resources mentioned in the episode:

Rosie's blog: https://www.patreon.com/posts/dreams-for-sale-137364267?utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook&utm_campaign=postshare_creator&utm_content=join_link&fbclid=IwY2xjawMiCNdleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHloq9pE0a5RTV5CqXGubq2a51PMmtIj-vuY1I6HsV8d9mk7FzBER8iFHKd_v_aem_XWheAIQG4_Tnv3btzOARtw

Rosie's life coaching space: https://www.letsatsihealing.info/

The official report on Alabuga Start: https://globalinitiative.net/analysis/who-is-making-russias-drones/

NDA enforcement in South Africa: https://www.polity.org.za/article/ndas-and-workplace-harassment-south-africas-existing-legal-protections-2025-08-12

(24-hr trauma helpline 082-821-3447) (Support the show on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/truecrimesa) (Support the show on PayPal https://www.paypal.me/truecrimesa) Instagram · Pinterest · Facebook · YouTube · Twitter · LinkedIn

I’m dropping into your feed to tell you about a very cool podcast I’ve just discovered that I think you’ll really like. Radio Workshop is a documentary-style podcast about youth issues in Africa. One of the things I love most about podcasting is that it provides a platform for previously untold stories to be heard with a lower barrier to entry and Radio Workshop does this really beautifully. You’ll hear real life stories from young African people about challenging situations and the incredible power of the human spirit to overcome. Here’s the podcast’s trailer and I’ve linked one of their most recent episodes in the show notes of this episode drop. I highly recommend giving Radio Workshop a listen.

Listen to Radio Workshop: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1t35ksL60U9rMSYRsQTodc?si=1d4838a1120d4e86 Instagram · Pinterest · Facebook · YouTube · Twitter · LinkedIn

This episode was first published in the Patreon feed in May 2023.

Working in a prison environment is a dangerous undertaking, but most correctional centre employees would expect the danger to come from the incarcerated offenders. When three young prison wardens set out on a brief errand for their employer, though, they will soon realise that the danger was far closer than they thought. (24-hr trauma helpline 082-821-3447) (Support the show on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/truecrimesa) (Support the show on PayPal https://www.paypal.me/truecrimesa) Instagram · Pinterest · Facebook · YouTube · Twitter · LinkedIn