5 South African true crime documentary series worth the binge

There’s something about true crime that keeps us hooked — the mystery, the psychology, the “how did this actually happen?” moments that leave you with spine-chilling curiosity. South Africa has a rich true-crime history that has captivated audiences worldwide. For those interested in a deep dive into some of Mzansi's chilling cases, South Africa's filmmakers and journalists have turned some of the most shocking cases into compelling screen moments. Here are five South African true crime documentaries worth the binge.

1. The ABC Killer

Notorious and unforgettable, this three-part docuseries unpacks the story of Moses Sithole — the South African serial killer who terrorised communities in Atteridgeville, Boksburg, and Cleveland in the mid-1990s, earning him the nickname “The ABC Killer.” Through gripping interviews and archival footage, The ABC Killer revisits the police investigation that ultimately stopped one of the country’s most horrifying murder sprees. It’s dark, detailed, and impossible to look away from.

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2. Catch Me a Killer

Based on the memoir of forensic psychologist — and South Africa’s first criminal profiler — Micki Pistorius, this dramatised series offers a rare glimpse into the mind of the woman behind some of the country’s most complex investigations. Each episode takes on a new case, blending crime, psychology, and emotion in equal measure. The result? A tense, haunting, and deeply human look at the pursuit of justice.

3. Beauty and the Bester

A twisted tale of love, lies, and manipulation, this documentary explores the shocking partnership between convicted murderer Thabo Bester and socialite Dr. Nandipha Magudumana. It’s the story that had the entire nation glued to their screens — a scandal that blends romance, betrayal, and crime in a way that almost feels too surreal.

4. The Station Strangler

One of South Africa’s earliest and most disturbing serial murder cases, The Station Strangler revisits the killings of young boys on the Cape Flats during the 1990s. But it’s more than just a retelling — the series questions the justice system, media influence, and the lasting trauma left behind. As the man convicted of the crimes was released on parole in 2023, old wounds and new questions have resurfaced, making this story more relevant than ever.

5. Rosemary’s Hitlist

The crimes of former police officer Rosemary Ndlovu shocked even the most seasoned investigators. This gripping docuseries unpacks how she plotted and executed the murders of her own family members — all for financial gain. Rosemary’s Hitlist paints a chilling portrait of greed, deceit, and calculated manipulation, proving that sometimes, the most terrifying villains are hiding in plain sight.