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 13- Husband from Hell: The Avril Gordon Case [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:12
Welcome to the Episode 13 of Murder & Mayhem: South African True Crime. About the episode: Every day in South Africa, 3 women lose their lives at the hands of their partners. This is the story of a woman who would live t…
Episode 12- The Monster of Toleni: Bulelani Mabhayi [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:35
Welcome to the Episode 12 of Murder & Mayhem: South African True Crime. About the episode: The Eastern Cape is arguably one of the most beautiful provinces in South Africa. Amongst the rolling plains, rivers, valleys and…
Episode 11- Innocence Lost: The Cruel Murder of Stacha Arendse [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:32
Welcome to the Episode 11 of Murder & Mayhem: South African True Crime. About the episode: Whilst other girls were taking Snapchat selfies whilst watching the latest episode of the Winx club, an 11 year old girl was figh…
Episode 10: Evil Deeds: The Murder of Kirsty Theologo [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:10
Welcome to the Episode 10 of Murder & Mayhem: South African True Crime. About the episode: This case is every parent’s nightmare. Imagine that your child goes out with friends- only to either never return or in the case…
Episode 9: The Shocking Crimes of Johannes Mowers [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 50:29
Welcome to the Episode 9 of Murder & Mayhem: South African True Crime. About the episode: In a small valley just past Hermanus known for fine wines and fruit, horse rides and gorgeous dams- the veiled societal issues of…
Episode 8: The Heartbreaking Case of Hannah Cornelius [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 55:34
Welcome to the Episode 8 of Murder & Mayhem: South African True Crime. About the episode: South Africa is no stranger to GBV violence but each time a new case manages to make it to the news, society is still shocked. Fol…
Episode 7: Into the Mind of the Samurai Killer- Morne Harmse [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:43
Welcome to the Episode 7 of Murder & Mayhem: South African True Crime. About the episode: How would you feel if you sent your child to school- a supposed safe place- like any other day but instead of picking them up afte…
Episode 6: Nightmare in Paradise - Ashley Oosthuizen’s Story [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:26
Welcome to the Episode 6 of Murder & Mayhem: South African True Crime. About the episode: What started off as an adventure, turned into a nightmare for one young woman in Thailand. Ashley Oosthuizen has been condemned to…