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Gripping true-crime series explores the legacy of notorious serial killer Moses Sithole
'The ABC Killer' is a twisty true-crime documentary series about serial killer Moses Sithole.
Image: Supplied.
The gripping trailer has been released for the upcoming true-crime documentary series, "The ABC Killer", which takes an unsettling look into the life of notorious serial killer Moses Sithole.
The Showmax series revisits a dark chapter in South Africa's history, offering both a haunting narrative and a fresh perspective on a case that still sends shivers down the spine.
Three decades ago, Tamsen de Beer, a rookie journalist at "The Star" newspaper, received an unprecedented call that would forever alter her life and career.
The voice on the other end of the line claimed to be South Africa's most prolific serial killer, calling himself "The ABC Killer" – a name derived from his modus operandi of targeting young, black women across vulnerable areas like Atteridgeville, Boksburg and Cleveland in Gauteng.
Tamsen de Beer.
Image: Supplied.
In a chilling confession, De Beer recounts her journey in the trailer, stating: "It was like a journey I was on with him. We were bonded in a strange, ugly way. I was hoping he was okay all the time, which is absolutely crazy."
Her disturbing connection with Sithole came during the same year that the late Nelson Mandela became South Africa's first democratically elected president.
Sithole was ultimately convicted of 38 murders, 40 rapes and six robberies, all committed in broad daylight over just a year and while sober.
"This was the biggest case of our history at the time," reflects former detective Derrick Nosworthy in the trailer.
"I don't think we had ever had a case where there were so many people murdered by potentially one offender," he continues.
Former detective Derrick Nosworthy in "The ABC Killer".
Image: Supplied.
Director Jasyn Howes, who was a young boy in Johannesburg during the height of Sithole's killing spree, draws parallels with infamous American serial killer Ted Bundy, noting, 'He was our Ted Bundy.'
The three-part series follows Howes's critically acclaimed first documentary, "Boetie Boer", about another infamous 90s serial killer, Stewart Wilken, which was nominated for various Saftas last year.
In "The ABC Killer", Howes engages some of the key figures from the harrowing saga.
Interviewees include de Beer alongside her night editor, Alameen Brendan Templeton, who expresses concerns for her safety.
South Africa's first profiler, Micki Pistorius, and several former detectives also contribute their insights regarding one of the most chilling cases of their careers.
The series brings audiences closer to the voices of resilience through firsthand accounts, such as that of survivor Buyiswa Swakhamisu, who relives her traumatic experience with Sithole.
'He used the promise of work to convince her to follow him,' it was revealed.
Survivor Buyiswa Swakhamisu in "The ABC Killer".
Image: Supplied.
The documentary promises exclusivity with unique content, including an anonymous inmate's video interview with Sithole, as well as official archival footage of his 1995 police questioning.
Howes, in a similar fashion to "Boetie Boer", employs extensive re-enactments filmed at real-world locations integral to Sithole's story, including "The Star" newspaper headquarters and the Pretoria High Court.
Gifter Ngobenisen portrays Sithole, while Louise van der Merwe steps into the role of De Beer.
Rounding out the cast is Graham Hopkins as Judge George Curlewis.
With meticulous research involving diary entries from de Beer, transcripts of her phone conversations with Sithole, and intimate letters to clinical psychologist Dr Giada Del Fabbro, the series promises a thorough examination of a case rife with implications about society, crime and empathy.
Even while serving an astonishing 2 410 years in prison, Sithole remains a chilling figure, reportedly studying law after completing a degree in theology.
"The ABC Killer" is set to premiere on Showmax on Tuesday, July 22.
