Modern Day Monster: The Case of the Ceres Predator | A South African Justice System Failure

Modern Day Monster: The Case of the Ceres Predator | A South African Justice System Failure

Author: Bella Monsoon July 10, 2026 Duration: 36:04
Welcome to Episode 53 of the official Murder & Mayhem: South African True Crime podcast. Welcome back to Murder and Mayhem hosted by Bella Monsoon. Here's a little look into today's episode: In 2010, Leano Vergotine was convicted of a heinous crime. He served roughly twelve years of a fifteen-year sentence. He was released on parole. And within six months of walking free, he began targeting more victims once again. In June 2026, Acting Judge Amanda van Leeve looked at Leano Vergotine and said: "You are a modern-day monster." This episode isn't only about the heinous crimes he committed but It's about the gap - the six months he was free, the system that released him, the court's own finding that he was never adequately monitored, and the teenager whose courage is the only reason those other two children were ever found. I'm Bella Monsoon, a registered mental health professional and South Africa's first trauma-informed true crime creator. Content warning: this episode covers child sexual abuse and child sexual exploitation material. It is trauma-informed, victim-centred, and does not include gratuitous detail. Viewer discretion is advised. For images, sources, and real footage related to this case, please visit my YouTube channel, Bella Monsoon, where this story has been covered in full video format. SHOP the South African Truly Criminal Colouring Book:https://shop.bellamonsoon.com/collections/books Mental Health Resources: If any part of this episode feels triggering, please know that support is available and reaching out is a strength. A full list of international mental health resources can be found at BellaMonsoon.com. If you are in South Africa, you can contact SADAG on 0800 12 13 14. SUPPORT & RESOURCES If you or someone you know has been affected by sexual violence: ▸ CHILDLINE South Africa: 116 (toll-free, 24 hours, confidential) ▸ TEARS Foundation: 010 590 5920 ▸ RAPCAN: www.rapcan.org.za Support the show:Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/join/BellaMonsoonPayPal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/bellamonsoon Subscribe and follow Murder & Mayhem on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, or your favour

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 41: Desecrated | The Tragic Murder of Lynette Volschenk [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:58
Welcome to the Episode 41 of Murder & Mayhem: South African True Crime. About the episode: “I am a charming psychopath and grateful to be a clever serial killer”. These are the shocking words of not only an aspiring crim…
Episode 40 | Recorded: The Disturbing Case of Brian Smith [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:21
Welcome to the Episode 40 of Murder & Mayhem: South African True Crime. About the episode: A picturesque town concealing a seedy underbelly. A seemingly perfect husband hiding dark secrets and desires. Innocent women wit…
Episode 39 | Forsaken: The Murder of Chevonne Rusch [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:04
Welcome to the Episode 39 of Murder & Mayhem: South African True Crime. About the episode: A tale that although shocking has been all too often heard before. Caregivers who not only abuse their roles but fail to live up…
Episode 38 | Unthinkable: The Heartbreaking Case of Ellen Pakkies [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:40
Welcome to the Episode 38 of Murder & Mayhem: South African True Crime. About the episode: About the episode: It is said that no one can love you, like a mother can. That blood is thicker than water and that family is mo…
Episode 35 | Unjust: The Brutal Murder of Eudy Simelane [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 23:05
Welcome to the Episode 35 of Murder & Mayhem: South African True Crime. About the episode: Imagine being killed for simply living your truth? A talented footballer and a successful woman who captured the hearts of everyo…
Episode 34 | Calamity: The Sizzlers Massacre Tragedy [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:28
Welcome to the Episode 34 of Murder & Mayhem: South African True Crime. About the episode: Described as the worst massacre Cape Town and the country had ever experienced, in 2003, 9 innocent men lost their lives in a bru…