Is a serial killer targeting women in Pretoria? Clinical Psychologist explains…

702’s John Perlman speaks with Dr Giada Del Fabbro, Clinical Psychologist.

Listen below:

IOL has reported that four burned female bodies have been found around Pretoria by Gauteng police.

Police discovered a woman’s body at Watloo train station in Pretoria on 4 August 2025.

Three bodies in similar condition were discovered between Watloo and Denneboom train stations between June and July 2025.

No arrests have been made yet.

This has raised questions on whether this is the work of a serial killer.

Del Fabbro says usually investigators will look at the pattern and proximity of the murders before declaring that it could be the work of a serial killer.

In this case she says the timeline, locations, and burning of the bodies could point to either a single perpetrator or an organised group.

“The frequency of the killings might also support the idea that this is a continuous pattern.”

- Dr Giada Del Fabbro, Clinical Psychologist (IN: 02:20)

However, she says that there is no information on the motive or connection between the victims which are important factors in identifying a serial killer.

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“Identifying a serial killer is often a psychological or behavioural pattern that is beyond just the crime itself.”

- Dr Giada Del Fabbro, Clinical Psychologist (IN: 02:50)

“There is the possibility that these are three separate instances where they have used the same technique, but I would say the probability of that is leaning towards slim.”

- Dr Giada Del Fabbro, Clinical Psychologist (IN: 04: 16)

Scroll up to the audio player for more.