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Daisy de Melker: Hiding Among Killers in the City of Gold
Mother. Nurse. Gold-digger. Cause célèbre. When Daisy de Melker stood trial in 1932, accused of poisoning her son and two husbands, the public couldn't get enough of her. Crowds gathered outside court baying for blood, and she waved to them like a celebrity.
Against the backdrop of Johannesburg in its golden age, a booming metropolis of opulence and chaos nicknamed the 'City of Gold' and the 'University of Crime', she had quietly gone about her sinister business while around her sensational crimes grabbed the headlines. There was the marauding Foster Gang, which left at least ten people dead; a dashing German hustler; a local Bonnie and Clyde; an innocent student walking in Zoo Lake park at the wrong time and a man who escaped death row to become one of South Africa's most revered authors. These interlinking stories are told in the style of a thriller and with riveting, kaleidoscopic detail.
In Daisy de Melker, Ted Botha weaves together a fantastic cast of killers and con men, detectives and lawmen, journalists and authors – even Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and Herman Charles Bosman – to depict a grand and desperate city. For almost twenty years Daisy hid in the shadows but when someone finally spoke up about the suspicious deaths around her, it led to a trial like nothing the City of Gold had ever seen and spread her name across the world.
Against the backdrop of Johannesburg in its golden age, a booming metropolis of opulence and chaos nicknamed the 'City of Gold' and the 'University of Crime', she had quietly gone about her sinister business while around her sensational crimes grabbed the headlines. There was the marauding Foster Gang, which left at least ten people dead; a dashing German hustler; a local Bonnie and Clyde; an innocent student walking in Zoo Lake park at the wrong time and a man who escaped death row to become one of South Africa's most revered authors. These interlinking stories are told in the style of a thriller and with riveting, kaleidoscopic detail.
In Daisy de Melker, Ted Botha weaves together a fantastic cast of killers and con men, detectives and lawmen, journalists and authors – even Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and Herman Charles Bosman – to depict a grand and desperate city. For almost twenty years Daisy hid in the shadows but when someone finally spoke up about the suspicious deaths around her, it led to a trial like nothing the City of Gold had ever seen and spread her name across the world.
385 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 26, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
May 19, 2023
#DaisyDeMelker – Ted Botha
#JonathanBall
The name Daisy de Melker is associated with murder by poison, a state sanctioned execution on 30/12/1932, and the infamous and uncomplimentary photograph of a middle-aged woman with a cleft palate. Fewer people know that she was born in the rural Eastern Cape as Daisy Hancorn-Smith, is suspected to have killed at least a fiancé, Bert Fuller, and three other children prior to the murders that she was finally charged with, and that her life in Johannesburg, 1914-1932, was interlinked with those of several other killers on various levels. Although a work of non-fiction boasting an impressive list of references, the author has succeeded in writing a book encompassing the totality of Daisy’s history against the backdrop of the criminal history of early Johannesburg.
During Daisy’s residence in Johannesburg, several other sensational criminal matters went down in history: The Foster Gang caused the death of at least ten people up to 1914, the hustler, Andrew Gibson, was in and out of courts on various charges and, whilst serving a sentence, coincidentally became an important witness in the murder case of Louis Tumpowski, resulting in the execution of the first white woman in South Africa, Dorothea Kraft, on 16/8/1921; the murder at Zoo Lake of a young student, Irene Kanthack, in 1927 was briefly investigated by none other than Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, but remained unsolved, and the last minute reprieve of the murderer of David Russell in 1926 would ultimately lead to the career of one of South Africa’s most famous authors, namely Herman Charles Bosman.
Bosman’s connection to Johannesburg’s history and, ultimately to De Melker’s trial, is fascinating: He met the younger Foster brother, Jimmy, whilst in prison, and was the co-author of an eight-page booklet titled ‘The life story of Mrs de Melker’, published during her trial. The history of the leader of Daisy’s defense team, Harry Morris, is equally interesting: He became interested in law as a career after the following the murder trial of Baron von Veltheim, charged with the murder of mining magnate Woolf Joel, in 1898. The so-called Marshall Square Murders in 1899 made a lasting impression on his young mind, and his career choice would pave his way to the infamous poison trial.
The first part of Botha’s publication provides the background and the links between well-known criminals in Johannesburg during the early part of the twentieth century, whilst including Daisy’s history up to 1932 in alternating chapters.The second part deals with the charges against and the trial of Daisy de Melker in detail, written with the flair of a modern-day true crime story. Part 5 provides the introduction to the actual trial and includes a chapter setting out the characteristics of the types of poisons allegedly used, namely strychnine and arsenic; as well as the prosecution’s plan to incorporate the English law pertaining to similar fact evidence into the South African system.
Part 6 deals with the trial itself and provides a week-by-week account of the four-week trial and the evidence submitted, including evidence in chief, cross examination, the closing arguments, the judgement, and the sentence.
This sterling publication is highly recommended for readers who enjoy true crime publications and South African history, especially, but also for those who appreciate the ability to links events of the past in an enlightening way.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ #Uitdieperdsebek
#JonathanBall
The name Daisy de Melker is associated with murder by poison, a state sanctioned execution on 30/12/1932, and the infamous and uncomplimentary photograph of a middle-aged woman with a cleft palate. Fewer people know that she was born in the rural Eastern Cape as Daisy Hancorn-Smith, is suspected to have killed at least a fiancé, Bert Fuller, and three other children prior to the murders that she was finally charged with, and that her life in Johannesburg, 1914-1932, was interlinked with those of several other killers on various levels. Although a work of non-fiction boasting an impressive list of references, the author has succeeded in writing a book encompassing the totality of Daisy’s history against the backdrop of the criminal history of early Johannesburg.
During Daisy’s residence in Johannesburg, several other sensational criminal matters went down in history: The Foster Gang caused the death of at least ten people up to 1914, the hustler, Andrew Gibson, was in and out of courts on various charges and, whilst serving a sentence, coincidentally became an important witness in the murder case of Louis Tumpowski, resulting in the execution of the first white woman in South Africa, Dorothea Kraft, on 16/8/1921; the murder at Zoo Lake of a young student, Irene Kanthack, in 1927 was briefly investigated by none other than Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, but remained unsolved, and the last minute reprieve of the murderer of David Russell in 1926 would ultimately lead to the career of one of South Africa’s most famous authors, namely Herman Charles Bosman.
Bosman’s connection to Johannesburg’s history and, ultimately to De Melker’s trial, is fascinating: He met the younger Foster brother, Jimmy, whilst in prison, and was the co-author of an eight-page booklet titled ‘The life story of Mrs de Melker’, published during her trial. The history of the leader of Daisy’s defense team, Harry Morris, is equally interesting: He became interested in law as a career after the following the murder trial of Baron von Veltheim, charged with the murder of mining magnate Woolf Joel, in 1898. The so-called Marshall Square Murders in 1899 made a lasting impression on his young mind, and his career choice would pave his way to the infamous poison trial.
The first part of Botha’s publication provides the background and the links between well-known criminals in Johannesburg during the early part of the twentieth century, whilst including Daisy’s history up to 1932 in alternating chapters.The second part deals with the charges against and the trial of Daisy de Melker in detail, written with the flair of a modern-day true crime story. Part 5 provides the introduction to the actual trial and includes a chapter setting out the characteristics of the types of poisons allegedly used, namely strychnine and arsenic; as well as the prosecution’s plan to incorporate the English law pertaining to similar fact evidence into the South African system.
Part 6 deals with the trial itself and provides a week-by-week account of the four-week trial and the evidence submitted, including evidence in chief, cross examination, the closing arguments, the judgement, and the sentence.
This sterling publication is highly recommended for readers who enjoy true crime publications and South African history, especially, but also for those who appreciate the ability to links events of the past in an enlightening way.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ #Uitdieperdsebek
August 15, 2023
This was an excellent, and refreshing read. It's not my usual genre of choice, but when I saw this on the shelf I knew I had to have it. I was so excited to see her story on the pages of a book, and Ted Botha did not disappoint!
Definitely, one that I will keep to read again. At the moment, it is circulating through family members for them to enjoy.
Definitely, one that I will keep to read again. At the moment, it is circulating through family members for them to enjoy.
June 28, 2023
If you read only one book this year, let it be this one. For history and crime lovers. Could not put it down.
June 24, 2023
Daisy De Melker by Ted Botha was the most interesting non-fiction book I have read since reading ‘On Wings of Eagles by Ken Follett’.
I was intrigued from the introduction. In fact, I paused a while after reading the introduction and exclaimed (to no one in particular), “Wow, if a book starts off like this…”
This book did not disappoint. Not only do we follow the life of Daisy De Melker from an early age up to her execution, but we also learn about the other killers lurking in the shadows of what we call Johannesburg.
I learned volumes from this book and walked away with a feeling of “I don’t even know my own country” and exclamations of “I never knew THAT happened in South Africa!” I have now been inspired to read up on my country’s history, as shocking as that might sound.
Usually, I find a passage to quote from the book I have just read, but I couldn’t do it for this one – everything is noteworthy! So, the best I can do is to advise you to GO READ THE BOOK!
Daisy De Melker – Hiding among Killers in the City of Gold, was a well-researched, most entertaining read and my congratulations go to Ted Botha.
I was intrigued from the introduction. In fact, I paused a while after reading the introduction and exclaimed (to no one in particular), “Wow, if a book starts off like this…”
This book did not disappoint. Not only do we follow the life of Daisy De Melker from an early age up to her execution, but we also learn about the other killers lurking in the shadows of what we call Johannesburg.
I learned volumes from this book and walked away with a feeling of “I don’t even know my own country” and exclamations of “I never knew THAT happened in South Africa!” I have now been inspired to read up on my country’s history, as shocking as that might sound.
Usually, I find a passage to quote from the book I have just read, but I couldn’t do it for this one – everything is noteworthy! So, the best I can do is to advise you to GO READ THE BOOK!
Daisy De Melker – Hiding among Killers in the City of Gold, was a well-researched, most entertaining read and my congratulations go to Ted Botha.
June 18, 2023
A must read!
This book was recommended reading and it did not disappoint. Riveting! I loved the stories of all the other criminals too. Such a captivating read especially being born and living in Johannesburg. I could not put it down!!
This book was recommended reading and it did not disappoint. Riveting! I loved the stories of all the other criminals too. Such a captivating read especially being born and living in Johannesburg. I could not put it down!!
June 11, 2024
Great inside into the notorious serial killer Daisy de Melker. I enjoyed learning more about Johannesburg during those days. The book is easy to read and fascinating a good combination.
May 28, 2023
Ted breathed life into Daisy, her victims, and several other criminally inclined characters that wove themselves into the story. It's all based on fact but told like an unfolding drama all set in 1930s Johannesburg.
January 4, 2025
3.5 rounded up
I greatly underestimated how wild Johannesburg was >100 years ago.
I greatly underestimated how wild Johannesburg was >100 years ago.
June 26, 2024
This book really surprised me. I did not know of the other criminal activities in the era of Daisy de Melker.
This is probably one of the most informative books I have ever read. One of my favorite stories is about a forger, pretending to be a doctor. He operates on people with huge success, but keeps getting arrested for fraud and forgery. Only later in his life, the truth came out about his big lie.
I really wish that more information about Daisy's previous life was available. Something in her life as a child must have happened to her for her to murder her children and husbands. My friend mentioned that she was probably abused, which would make more sense.
The other murders were a big surprise in the book. I didn't know of the wife, with the help of a witch doctor, a criminal and farm workers, to kill off her Jewish husband. She was the first woman to be hanged in Pretoria.
There was an Irene girl who got killed, and her body was left in the bushes, covered with leaves and sticks. Her murderer was never caught.
There was a big strike as well, which I did not know off until I read it in Ted Botha's book. If this was one of my school history books, I would have done way better in that subject in school!
Then, there was the bandits who robbed banks and liquor stores. They killed 3 police officers, and ended up in cave where people trapped them inside. The "leader" of the group insisted he sees his wife and daughter one last time, but ended up handing the daughter over to be cared for, and shot his wife and himself. It is also indirectly these bandit's fault for the shooting of De la Rey while in transit. I always knew he was shot in the back, but never knew who was actually to blame.
So, to Ted Botha, thanks for a very informative book. I really enjoyed it, and am excited to have this book in my shelf.
This is probably one of the most informative books I have ever read. One of my favorite stories is about a forger, pretending to be a doctor. He operates on people with huge success, but keeps getting arrested for fraud and forgery. Only later in his life, the truth came out about his big lie.
I really wish that more information about Daisy's previous life was available. Something in her life as a child must have happened to her for her to murder her children and husbands. My friend mentioned that she was probably abused, which would make more sense.
The other murders were a big surprise in the book. I didn't know of the wife, with the help of a witch doctor, a criminal and farm workers, to kill off her Jewish husband. She was the first woman to be hanged in Pretoria.
There was an Irene girl who got killed, and her body was left in the bushes, covered with leaves and sticks. Her murderer was never caught.
There was a big strike as well, which I did not know off until I read it in Ted Botha's book. If this was one of my school history books, I would have done way better in that subject in school!
Then, there was the bandits who robbed banks and liquor stores. They killed 3 police officers, and ended up in cave where people trapped them inside. The "leader" of the group insisted he sees his wife and daughter one last time, but ended up handing the daughter over to be cared for, and shot his wife and himself. It is also indirectly these bandit's fault for the shooting of De la Rey while in transit. I always knew he was shot in the back, but never knew who was actually to blame.
So, to Ted Botha, thanks for a very informative book. I really enjoyed it, and am excited to have this book in my shelf.
May 11, 2024
This bookclub selection took me by surprise. It wasn't a choice I would have made on my own, considering my lack of initial interest in Daisy de Melker's story. Boy, did I almost miss out!
Beyond the gripping narrative of Daisy's life, what captivated me most was the vivid portrayal of Johannesburg in the early 1900s. Having grown up in Johannesburg until the late nineties before moving to Pretoria, I found myself familiar with ninety percent of the suburbs mentioned by author Ted Botha. It stirred nostalgic memories of my childhood in the City of Gold, despite the fact that the era depicted in the book are many years before my birth. Discovering aspects of our true history, sadly lost to today's South African youth, was truly enlightening.
The intricacies of Daisy de Melker's story and the lives of the other individuals depicted were rendered with such depth and colour that I found myself completely engrossed. Listening to the audiobook narrated by the talented Colin Moss made the experience even more immersive, allowing me to continue with mundane tasks while being transported into another time. Botha's skillful characterization made it feel as though he had personally known each individual he described.
Kudos to the author for preserving this slice of South African history. From beginning to end, I was spellbound, and I wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone, regardless of their familiarity with South Africa or its history. This tale transcends borders and is a testament to the power of storytelling.
Beyond the gripping narrative of Daisy's life, what captivated me most was the vivid portrayal of Johannesburg in the early 1900s. Having grown up in Johannesburg until the late nineties before moving to Pretoria, I found myself familiar with ninety percent of the suburbs mentioned by author Ted Botha. It stirred nostalgic memories of my childhood in the City of Gold, despite the fact that the era depicted in the book are many years before my birth. Discovering aspects of our true history, sadly lost to today's South African youth, was truly enlightening.
The intricacies of Daisy de Melker's story and the lives of the other individuals depicted were rendered with such depth and colour that I found myself completely engrossed. Listening to the audiobook narrated by the talented Colin Moss made the experience even more immersive, allowing me to continue with mundane tasks while being transported into another time. Botha's skillful characterization made it feel as though he had personally known each individual he described.
Kudos to the author for preserving this slice of South African history. From beginning to end, I was spellbound, and I wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone, regardless of their familiarity with South Africa or its history. This tale transcends borders and is a testament to the power of storytelling.
September 1, 2023
Absolutely loved this book. The fact that the author has integrated other crimes at the time and the overlaps shed light on incidences that are possibly known but by no means as sensational as daisy de Melker.
The interpretation of the trial and the twists and turns surprised me as I was under the impression it was a cut and dried case but apparently not.
Loved the history of johannesburg and I would definitely recommend this book, it’s a wealth of history.
The interpretation of the trial and the twists and turns surprised me as I was under the impression it was a cut and dried case but apparently not.
Loved the history of johannesburg and I would definitely recommend this book, it’s a wealth of history.
December 19, 2024
An absolutely fascinating and gripping tale of Daisy De Melker’s life and escapades during Johannesburg’s golden era.
Botha neatly and rather masterfully, weaves together the stories and crimes of a number of popular South African figures and pertinent news moments, through the telling of De Melker’s story.
Expertly research, the book ends with all loose ends neatly tied up- a rare satisfaction in the age of (unresolved) true crimes through podcasts/documentaries.
Botha neatly and rather masterfully, weaves together the stories and crimes of a number of popular South African figures and pertinent news moments, through the telling of De Melker’s story.
Expertly research, the book ends with all loose ends neatly tied up- a rare satisfaction in the age of (unresolved) true crimes through podcasts/documentaries.
October 10, 2025
Daisy de Melker’s story is incredible in that dark, chilling way — it’s got all the elements of a gripping psychological thriller: a seemingly respectable woman, multiple mysterious deaths, arsenic, greed, and 1930s Johannesburg as a backdrop. Strange they haven't made a movie of this yet. You’d think filmmakers would have jumped at it by now. Overall, stunning read!
September 9, 2023
Very interesting read, I wish more books were written about Old Johannesburg. The character development keeps you engaged all the way through. I loved the way Ted Botha weaved all their stories together. Please write more about this period! It's fascinating!
December 25, 2023
Daisy De Melker’s story is well known. Through the years it has been brought up in various articles. Botha had a chance to present fresh evidence or at least original speculating. Instead he fleshed out the thin story with unrelated crimes in Jhb - some almost 15 years earlier. A disappointment.
September 5, 2023
A well woven tale of this web of murderers and thieves that ran rampant in JHB in the 20s onwards. It makes for an interesting peek into a time in SA I knew very little about.
September 16, 2023
Enjoyed the way Ted Botha wove the overlapping stories together. It was refreshing to learn how seemingly unrelated events not only took place in the same era, but that they affected one another.
November 30, 2023
4 1/2
This was fascinating! So interesting to learn all about what else was going on in Joburg at this time.
This was fascinating! So interesting to learn all about what else was going on in Joburg at this time.
December 24, 2023
This book is so historically and culturally relevant. It provides a great deal of context to modern day Johannesburg and South Africa as a whole.
March 3, 2024
Fascinating read and history.
October 22, 2024
As a child I heard stories about Daisy, but having all these details to the story is really ... WOW!!!
July 25, 2025
Brilliant, un-put-down-able. Loved every page.
August 8, 2025
A page turner true crime book that also works as a snapshot of a burgeoning cosmopolitan. All roads lead to to city of gold.
October 27, 2023
This book was a combination of my favourite genres - crime and history. I am shocked at how wild Johannesburg was in the 1920s, it was fascinating! Really well written and it was cleverly plotted to highlight the interlinked narratives.
August 13, 2024
Very interesting, detailed account of the happenings...keeps you enthralled..I would have given it a 7/10, but can only give stars out of 5.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews