The ABC Killer: New doccie sheds light on SA’s most notorious serial killer
He murdered at least 38 people in 1994 and 1995... this documentary tells the story of how he was eventually brought to justice.
Moses Sithole's name is perhaps one the most chilling in South Africa's history.
CapeTalk’s Pippa Hudson speaks with Jasyn Howes, director of The ABC Killer.
Listen below:
Moses Sithole, also known as 'The ABC Killer', terrorised the communities of Atteridgeville, Boksburg and Cleveland between 1994 and 1995.
He murdered at least 37 women in that time, as well as one toddler - although he claimed he had 76 victims in total.
In some cases, he reportedly would sometimes phone the victims’ families after their murder to taunt them.
When he was eventually caught, he was sentenced to 2,410 years in prison with no possibility of parole for 930 years, for 38 murders, 40 rapes, and 6 robberies.
The new chilling documentary series tells the story of the prolific serial killer and follows the investigation that led to his eventual capture.
In the three-episode series, Howes speaks to many key figures in the killer’s case including a journalist who Sithole revealed himself to, a survivor, and the killer himself.
Tamsen de Beer was a junior reporter working the night shift when Sithole unexpectedly called her and said he was the killer.
She had next to no experience with hard news at the time, and suddenly found herself at the centre of one of the most important criminal cases in the country.
“She wasn’t even fully aware of this particular story and then all of a sudden it landed firmly in her lap.”
- Jasyn Howes, Director of The ABC Killer
When speaking to survivor Buyiswa Swakhamisu, he says she was initially afraid and wanted to be kept anonymous, but decided she wanted to be brave and share her story.
“Although it was painful to relive these moments from the past, she also walked away from it feeling quite empowered.”
- Jasyn Howes, Director of The ABC Killer
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Howes also had a phone conversation with the killer in prison.
While speaking about the case and documentary, Howes says Sithole asked him if there was any chance this could change the way the people of South Africa saw him.
“He still has the belief that with the passing of time and rehabilitation, that maybe there would be a difference in how the people of South Africa would view him. I had to set him straight and let him know there was no universe where that could happen.”
- Jasyn Howes, Director of The ABC Killer
The ABC Killer is available to watch on Showmax.
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