Episode 44: Unrecognisable | The Senseless Murder of Janika Mello

Episode 44: Unrecognisable | The Senseless Murder of Janika Mello

Author: Bella Monsoon August 23, 2024 Duration: 29:21
Welcome to the Episode 44 of Murder & Mayhem: South African True Crime.   About the episode: 2019 was a year with cases of sheer violence towards women that shocked the South African nation. From the brutal murder of Uyinene in a post office to the mutilation of Lynette Volschenk in her own apartment- each case highlighted the disturbing prevalence of GBV in the country. In the midst of all of these, one particular case was not mentioned as much as others; one case fell on the wayside.   In the bustling community of Mitchell’s Plain, a disturbing murder occurred leaving a community horrified and a family in despair. A young girl had her life stolen by individuals she knew and had even grown up with. As the court case dragged on, the quest for justice turned into a long and arduous battle. This is the story of a community’s loss, a family’s heartache and an enduring fight to bring a young girl’s killers to book.   This is the case of the brutal and senseless murder of Janika Mello   For images, sources and real footage of the individuals and the case mentioned, please visit my Youtube Channel- Bella Monsoon where this case has been covered in video format HERE.   SHOP the South African Truly Criminal Colouring Book: https://bellamonsoon.com/shop/books/pre-order-murder-and-mayhem-a-truly-criminal-colouring-experience/   Mental Health Resources: If you are feeling triggered by any of the content within this podcast please reach out and speak to someone. A full list of worldwide mental health channels is available on my website bellamonsoon.com but if you are in South Africa- you can contact SADAG on 0800 12 13 14.   Support the Show on Patreon : https://www.patreon.com/join/BellaMonsoon Support the Show on Paypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/bellamonsoon   Subscribe and follow Murder and Mayhem on Apple Podcasts,  Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify or your favourite podcast listening platforms

South Africa's complex social fabric provides a unique backdrop for some of the most compelling and chilling criminal cases. Murder and Mayhem: South African True Crime goes beyond the sensational headlines, offering a deep and thoughtful examination of these real-life events. Host Bella Monsoon approaches each story not just as a sequence of facts, but as a psychological puzzle, carefully considering the circumstances and motivations that lead to tragedy. Each episode focuses on a single case, unpacking the narrative with a respectful yet unflinching eye. You'll find this podcast is less about the gore and more about the human condition-the pressures, the histories, and the societal fractures that can culminate in violence. Bella guides listeners through these difficult stories with a steady and engaging presence, making complex psychological concepts accessible. The series sits at the intersection of true crime documentary and cultural study, providing context that is specific to the South African experience. It’s for anyone who seeks to understand the 'why' behind the crime, looking into the shadows of human behavior to find meaning in the mayhem. New episodes arrive weekly, inviting you to explore the intricate and often heartbreaking stories that define this genre.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

Murder and Mayhem: South African True Crime
Podcast Episodes
Episode 33 | Unbelievable: The Shocking Case of Thabo Bester [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:06:15
Welcome to the Episode 33 of Murder & Mayhem: South African True Crime. About the episode: An ongoing case that has not only gripped the nation but led to so many more questions. This is a case that when I say you won’t…
Episode 32 | Barbarous: The Heartbreaking Case of Allison Plaatjies [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:38
Welcome to the Episode 32 of Murder & Mayhem: South African True Crime. About the episode: After years of hard work, sacrifices and dedication- one young woman was on the path to making all of her dreams come true. A new…
Episode 31 | Hidden Truths: The Disturbing Case of Meghan Cremer [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:00:20
Welcome to the Episode 31 of Murder & Mayhem: South African True Crime. About the episode: On a cold winter’s evening on the 3rd of August 2019- a young woman’s life and the lives of those who loved her would forever be…
Episode 30 | Cold Case:The Unsolved Murder of Anika Smit [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 58:13
Welcome to the Episode 30 of Murder & Mayhem: South African True Crime. About the episode: A case from 2010 that never quite got the attention it deserved and a girl whose life was cut short before it even began. Even wi…
Episode 29 | Predator: The Tragic Murder of Tazne Van Wyk [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:33
Welcome to the Episode 29 of Murder & Mayhem: South African True Crime. About the episode: 8 years old, with dreams of becoming a lawyer or doctor forever extinguished as a result of one twisted man’s actions. A man who…
Episode 28 | Double Life: The Sunday Rapist- Johannes Jacobus Steyn [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 50:41
Welcome to the Episode 28 of Murder & Mayhem: South African True Crime. About the episode: A young girl is reported missing- snatched just metres away from the entrance of her school. A city is frantically searching for…
Episode 27 | Night Terror: The Axe Killer Phindile Ntshongwana [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 50:27
Welcome to the Episode 27 of Murder & Mayhem: South African True Crime. About the episode: This case at first glance reads more like a strange movie plot. An axe wielding assailant striking at the dead of night. A narrat…
Episode 26- Evil Within: Serial Killer Boetie Boer | Stewart Wilken [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:43
Welcome to the Episode 26 of Murder & Mayhem: South African True Crime. About the episode: Described as one of the most vile serial killers in South African history, this man committed the most heinous and disturbing act…
Episode 24- Pure Evil: The Wemmer Pan Serial Killer Cedric Maake [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 48:34
Welcome to the Episode 24 of Murder & Mayhem: South African True Crime. About the episode: What happens when a serial killer cannot be classified? What happens when a perpetrator seems to have no single Modus Operandi or…