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 23- Nightmare in Suburbia: The Adlington Family Murders [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:18
Welcome to the Episode 23 of Murder & Mayhem: South African True Crime. About the episode: In a beautiful Marina side neighbourhood boasting views of the mountain range, access to a sparkling expanse of water and just mi…
Episode 22- Betrayed: The Murder of Tshegofatso Pule [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:49
Welcome to the Episode 22 of Murder & Mayhem: South African True Crime. About the episode: A case so shocking that a country, in the midst of pandemonium and a lockdown, could not ignore. A young woman- 8 months pregnant…
Episode 20- Sinister Son:The Crimes of Ruan Van Heerden [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:06
Welcome to the Episode 20 of Murder & Mayhem: South African True Crime. About the episode: Adopted by a couple who only hoped to share love and affection with him, one young man grew up and into adulthood to repay his fa…
Episode 19- Sinful Scheme: The Throb Nightclub Tragedy [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:09
Welcome to the Episode 19 of Murder & Mayhem: South African True Crime. About the episode: A day that was supposed to be full of joy and celebrations quickly turned deadly as hundreds of children were exposed to a chemic…
Episode 16- Last Dance: The Kirvan Fortuin Case [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:35
Welcome to the Episode 16 of Murder & Mayhem: South African True Crime. About the episode: From humble beginnings to competing and dancing in shows across the globe; one individual’s journey inspired and brought hope to…
Episode 15- Stone Cold: Serial Killer Shaun Oosthuizen [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:05
Welcome to the Episode 15 of Murder & Mayhem: South African True Crime. About the episode: In a world where at times those of a bygone generation may be forgotten, one man saw a window of opportunity to wreak havoc on on…
Episode 14- Making a Man: The Tragic Case of Raymond Buys [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:40
Welcome to the Episode 14 of Murder & Mayhem: South African True Crime. About the episode: In a rural farming community on a 5 acre farm, unbeknownst to many of the public, the idyllic surroundings hid a dark and disturb…