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The Profiler Diaries 2: From crime scene to courtroom
More riveting cases from the files of former police psychologist and bestselling author Gérard Labuschagne …
In this second instalment of The Profiler Diaries, former South African Police Service (SAPS) head profiler Dr Gérard Labuschagne, successor to the legendary Micki Pistorius, recalls more of the 110 murder series and countless other bizarre crimes he analysed during his career. An expert on serial murder and rape cases, Labuschagne saw it all in his fourteen and a half years in the SAPS. Often stymied by a lack of resources, office politics and legal incompetence, Labuschagne and his team were nevertheless determined to obtain justice for the victims whose cases they were tasked with investigating. Tracking down a prolific serial stalker, linking the murders of two young women in Knysna, assessing a suspect threatening to assassinate Barack Obama and apprehending a serial murderer of sex workers are just a few of the intriguing – and often terrifying – cases he covers in his second book, The Profiler Diaries – From Crime Scene to Courtroom.
As Labuschagne says, catching a killer is one thing; getting them convicted in a court of law is an entirely different ball game. This book shows how it is done in fascinating detail.
In this second instalment of The Profiler Diaries, former South African Police Service (SAPS) head profiler Dr Gérard Labuschagne, successor to the legendary Micki Pistorius, recalls more of the 110 murder series and countless other bizarre crimes he analysed during his career. An expert on serial murder and rape cases, Labuschagne saw it all in his fourteen and a half years in the SAPS. Often stymied by a lack of resources, office politics and legal incompetence, Labuschagne and his team were nevertheless determined to obtain justice for the victims whose cases they were tasked with investigating. Tracking down a prolific serial stalker, linking the murders of two young women in Knysna, assessing a suspect threatening to assassinate Barack Obama and apprehending a serial murderer of sex workers are just a few of the intriguing – and often terrifying – cases he covers in his second book, The Profiler Diaries – From Crime Scene to Courtroom.
As Labuschagne says, catching a killer is one thing; getting them convicted in a court of law is an entirely different ball game. This book shows how it is done in fascinating detail.
Paperback
Published July 1, 2022
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94 people want to read
About the author
Gérard Labuschagne
2 books15 followersI was the head of the South African Police Service's Investigative Psychology Section which is the equivalent of the FBI's Behavioral Analysis Units in terms of roles and responsibilities. I held the rank of a Brigadier and was a sworn police officer. I am a qualified Clinical Psychologist, yet have undergone extensive threat assessment training, and investigative training such as sexual offences investigation, hostage negotiation, homicide and death investigation to name a few. I currently co-own South Africa's only sole-purpose threat assessment and management company, focusing on workplace violence prevention. The company is called L&S Threat Management (www.threatsa.co.za). We provide training, operational case consultation, policy development and post incident analysis services. In July 2019 I was appointed at the Founder President of the African Association of Threat Assessment Professionals (AfATAP). I am also a Certified Threat Manager (CTM) via ATAP.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
June 20, 2024
This second installment is another great book by Gerard Labuschagne where he not only takes you to the crime scenes of the cases he focuses on, but also into the courtroom afterwards to show how these criminals were successfully prosecuted. He highlights 6 very different cases in this book that stood out for him during his time with SAPS, and again some of these were very high profile cases in South Africa. He also uses his experience as a risk accessor to show how these criminal could have gone on to cause even more havoc if not stopped. He highlights the great work done by investigators in the police service, and how these criminals were apprehended before they could go on to commit more brutal crimes.
Some of these cases were horrifying in its brutality, and his description of the crime scenes are very detailed, and this is not for the squeamish. He also interviewed some of these criminals and takes you into the mind of them to show you how their thinking works about the crimes they committed, which is hard to read at times.
A great book and highly recommended by one of the world's great police psychologist, can be read as a stand alone, but I would recommend reading the first book first to have a better understanding of the way Labuschagne works.
Some of these cases were horrifying in its brutality, and his description of the crime scenes are very detailed, and this is not for the squeamish. He also interviewed some of these criminals and takes you into the mind of them to show you how their thinking works about the crimes they committed, which is hard to read at times.
A great book and highly recommended by one of the world's great police psychologist, can be read as a stand alone, but I would recommend reading the first book first to have a better understanding of the way Labuschagne works.
July 14, 2022
#Theprofilerdiaries2 – Gėrard Labuschagne
#Penguin
After I had read this book’s prequel (‘The profiler diaries’) I wrote a short reader’s impression on 28 September 2021. The introduction thereto is equally applicable to this sequel (‘The profiler diaries 2’) and I therefore deem it appropriate to open this review in the same way (as a reminder to those who cannot recall what was said and as an introduction to first time readers): When choosing to read a nonfiction publication, the credibility and authenticity of the author is of utmost importance to me. Even more so when I am familiar with the subject matter. I thus researched the author before deciding to read the book and his credentials were impressive: he was the head of the SAPS IPS (Investigative Psychology Section) for several years; also, a clinical psychologist, criminologist, homicide, and death investigator (trained internationally), hostage negotiator, certified threat manager and an advocate of the High Court. He is also an honorary professor in the UW’s Department of Forensic Medicine and Pathology and a regular speaker at internationally conferences who has published extensively in professional textbooks.
First hurdle crossed successfully. But not all professionals are able to communicate successfully in writing; especially if the publication is aimed at the layman; often the expert author becomes either patronizing or remains incomprehensible due to overly formal language. The author also crossed this hurdle with ease; his writing is to the point, clear, concise; often amusing and ironic (He had me chuckling on the first page, already: ‘My high-school career guidance counsellor was at least partly to blame for my ignorance – after he retired, he was arrested for murder.’), but always respectful and empathic. Cases in point; the book is dedicated to the victims and their families and the author states on page 59: ‘A lot of people despise sex workers, but through the course of my work in the police I have never met a woman whose childhood career aspiration was to become one. Most have a tale of hardship that led them to entering the field of sex work.’
The book is divided into six chapters, focusing on the Knysna Murder Series (Jessica Wheeler, Veronica Stadler and Peter McHelm); the Port Elizabeth sex-worker murder series (Lee-Anne Rondganger and Noxolo Ngqoyiya); the Krugersdorp School sword attack (Mornė Harmse); Brian the stalker (Brian Harvey); Welkom (Chanė van Heerden and Maartens van der Merwe’s dangerous obsession with the fictional character ‘Dexter) and the King of America (assessing the level of threat of a milkman from Bethulie, Sean Frewen, following his threats to assassinate US President Barack Obama).
Full colour photographs (between pages 147 and 149), as well as a list of acronyms (xi), references (225-227) and an alphabetical index (229-235) are also included.
I particularly enjoyed the first two chapters because they include various characters that I have met in my own career: Charlton Heston Hilpert was a young constable in Grahamstown/Makhanda in the early 1990’s before becoming a sought-after dog handler based in Port Alfred; Judge Nathan Erasmus was my training magistrate in Kuilsrivier in 1991 and I have sparred with the late Advocate Terry Price many times over the years. The author’s descriptions of these individuals are 100% accurate and added additional depth and personal enjoyment to these chapters.
Chapter 3 includes a very important and convincing argument for the setting up of professional threat assessment and management systems, especially in educational settings. Had that been in place at Nic Diederichs Technical High School in Krugersdorp in August 2008, Jacques Pretorius might still have been alive. The postscript to this chapter is of specific concern: ‘On 4 March 2022 the parole board released Mornė Harmse into the care of his parents despite the DCS psychologists’ reports that have consistently maintained that he should not be given parole due to the danger he poses to himself and others.’ (120) Chapter 6 provides more information and the practical determination of the level of a threat.
Chapter 4 is unique in certain aspects. Firstly the (first) victim was known to the author and secondly it was also the only case in which he was the actual investigating officer. But… ‘Rather embarrassingly, though, I missed the actual arrest by minutes because of morning traffic!’ (121) Interestingly as this is, the real importance of this chapter is the information supplied regarding ‘stalking’ (per se not a crime in South African law): the nature and impact thereof (‘I describe stalking as psychological terrorism…’ – 122) and the often closed doors of supposed protection that victims encounter (‘Dealing with stalking cases require intuition, sensitivity, understanding and surgical precision; the SAPS tends to be more like an elephant high on cocaine with a bus strapped on its back.’ – 126) The scopes, overlapping, limitations and purposes of the relevant legislation (the Domestic Violence and Protection from Harassment Acts) are also explained, but the reality of the challenges is made clear, for example: ‘Magistrates are trained in how to process a protection order application and apply the law, but they aren’t trained in assessing the level of threat.’ (144)
Chapter 5 includes interesting explanations and discussions regarding criminal capacity, occult/satanic and muti murders, the taking of trophies and/or souvenirs, the declaration of someone as a dangerous criminal and the consequences thereof, the role of fantasy in psychologically motivated crimes, necromanic mutilation and so-called trial runs by serial offenders.
The following statement on the back cover of the book describes the content best: ‘Catching a killer is one thing; getting them convicted in a court of law is an entirely different ball game. This book shows how it is done in fascinating detail.’ There are hundreds, if not thousands, of true crime books in publication; often written by reporters or ex-members of law enforcement or the legal fraternity. Most of these publications rely on the expertise of the author in a single field only, research, investigation, defence, prosecution, or observation, mostly. Therein lies the unique perspective of ‘The profiler diaries’, the author ‘s expertise covers psychology, investigation, and prosecution, allowing for a very wide and detailed perspective.
There is always a risk with non-fiction that the reader will lose interest along the way; either because facts cannot be bent by artistic freedom and imagination for entertainment purposes, or because subject matter is presented either incorrectly or to the point of death by boredom. After reading this second book by the author, I can honestly say that he is not only a highly skilled and trained professional; he is also a very gifted writer – with definite ideas about interior decorating: ‘… I have to say that I have never seen such a hideous bathroom in my life – and that had nothing to do with the murder… The walls… were tiled with bright red tiles…’ (68) The style is factual, but entertaining; subjects and events are arranged in logical order; colourful anecdotes are included, and explanations are simple and to the point.
The book is highly recommended for anyone interested in true crime, investigations and prosecutions and I (still) think all crime authors should also invest in this book; it is a concise guide to South African Criminal Law; (still) probably the best in this genre I have ever read, outside of formal textbooks; worthy of 5 stars on all levels.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
#Uitdieperdsebek
Penguin Random House
#Penguin
After I had read this book’s prequel (‘The profiler diaries’) I wrote a short reader’s impression on 28 September 2021. The introduction thereto is equally applicable to this sequel (‘The profiler diaries 2’) and I therefore deem it appropriate to open this review in the same way (as a reminder to those who cannot recall what was said and as an introduction to first time readers): When choosing to read a nonfiction publication, the credibility and authenticity of the author is of utmost importance to me. Even more so when I am familiar with the subject matter. I thus researched the author before deciding to read the book and his credentials were impressive: he was the head of the SAPS IPS (Investigative Psychology Section) for several years; also, a clinical psychologist, criminologist, homicide, and death investigator (trained internationally), hostage negotiator, certified threat manager and an advocate of the High Court. He is also an honorary professor in the UW’s Department of Forensic Medicine and Pathology and a regular speaker at internationally conferences who has published extensively in professional textbooks.
First hurdle crossed successfully. But not all professionals are able to communicate successfully in writing; especially if the publication is aimed at the layman; often the expert author becomes either patronizing or remains incomprehensible due to overly formal language. The author also crossed this hurdle with ease; his writing is to the point, clear, concise; often amusing and ironic (He had me chuckling on the first page, already: ‘My high-school career guidance counsellor was at least partly to blame for my ignorance – after he retired, he was arrested for murder.’), but always respectful and empathic. Cases in point; the book is dedicated to the victims and their families and the author states on page 59: ‘A lot of people despise sex workers, but through the course of my work in the police I have never met a woman whose childhood career aspiration was to become one. Most have a tale of hardship that led them to entering the field of sex work.’
The book is divided into six chapters, focusing on the Knysna Murder Series (Jessica Wheeler, Veronica Stadler and Peter McHelm); the Port Elizabeth sex-worker murder series (Lee-Anne Rondganger and Noxolo Ngqoyiya); the Krugersdorp School sword attack (Mornė Harmse); Brian the stalker (Brian Harvey); Welkom (Chanė van Heerden and Maartens van der Merwe’s dangerous obsession with the fictional character ‘Dexter) and the King of America (assessing the level of threat of a milkman from Bethulie, Sean Frewen, following his threats to assassinate US President Barack Obama).
Full colour photographs (between pages 147 and 149), as well as a list of acronyms (xi), references (225-227) and an alphabetical index (229-235) are also included.
I particularly enjoyed the first two chapters because they include various characters that I have met in my own career: Charlton Heston Hilpert was a young constable in Grahamstown/Makhanda in the early 1990’s before becoming a sought-after dog handler based in Port Alfred; Judge Nathan Erasmus was my training magistrate in Kuilsrivier in 1991 and I have sparred with the late Advocate Terry Price many times over the years. The author’s descriptions of these individuals are 100% accurate and added additional depth and personal enjoyment to these chapters.
Chapter 3 includes a very important and convincing argument for the setting up of professional threat assessment and management systems, especially in educational settings. Had that been in place at Nic Diederichs Technical High School in Krugersdorp in August 2008, Jacques Pretorius might still have been alive. The postscript to this chapter is of specific concern: ‘On 4 March 2022 the parole board released Mornė Harmse into the care of his parents despite the DCS psychologists’ reports that have consistently maintained that he should not be given parole due to the danger he poses to himself and others.’ (120) Chapter 6 provides more information and the practical determination of the level of a threat.
Chapter 4 is unique in certain aspects. Firstly the (first) victim was known to the author and secondly it was also the only case in which he was the actual investigating officer. But… ‘Rather embarrassingly, though, I missed the actual arrest by minutes because of morning traffic!’ (121) Interestingly as this is, the real importance of this chapter is the information supplied regarding ‘stalking’ (per se not a crime in South African law): the nature and impact thereof (‘I describe stalking as psychological terrorism…’ – 122) and the often closed doors of supposed protection that victims encounter (‘Dealing with stalking cases require intuition, sensitivity, understanding and surgical precision; the SAPS tends to be more like an elephant high on cocaine with a bus strapped on its back.’ – 126) The scopes, overlapping, limitations and purposes of the relevant legislation (the Domestic Violence and Protection from Harassment Acts) are also explained, but the reality of the challenges is made clear, for example: ‘Magistrates are trained in how to process a protection order application and apply the law, but they aren’t trained in assessing the level of threat.’ (144)
Chapter 5 includes interesting explanations and discussions regarding criminal capacity, occult/satanic and muti murders, the taking of trophies and/or souvenirs, the declaration of someone as a dangerous criminal and the consequences thereof, the role of fantasy in psychologically motivated crimes, necromanic mutilation and so-called trial runs by serial offenders.
The following statement on the back cover of the book describes the content best: ‘Catching a killer is one thing; getting them convicted in a court of law is an entirely different ball game. This book shows how it is done in fascinating detail.’ There are hundreds, if not thousands, of true crime books in publication; often written by reporters or ex-members of law enforcement or the legal fraternity. Most of these publications rely on the expertise of the author in a single field only, research, investigation, defence, prosecution, or observation, mostly. Therein lies the unique perspective of ‘The profiler diaries’, the author ‘s expertise covers psychology, investigation, and prosecution, allowing for a very wide and detailed perspective.
There is always a risk with non-fiction that the reader will lose interest along the way; either because facts cannot be bent by artistic freedom and imagination for entertainment purposes, or because subject matter is presented either incorrectly or to the point of death by boredom. After reading this second book by the author, I can honestly say that he is not only a highly skilled and trained professional; he is also a very gifted writer – with definite ideas about interior decorating: ‘… I have to say that I have never seen such a hideous bathroom in my life – and that had nothing to do with the murder… The walls… were tiled with bright red tiles…’ (68) The style is factual, but entertaining; subjects and events are arranged in logical order; colourful anecdotes are included, and explanations are simple and to the point.
The book is highly recommended for anyone interested in true crime, investigations and prosecutions and I (still) think all crime authors should also invest in this book; it is a concise guide to South African Criminal Law; (still) probably the best in this genre I have ever read, outside of formal textbooks; worthy of 5 stars on all levels.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
#Uitdieperdsebek
Penguin Random House
December 12, 2022
I really enjoyed Profiler Diaries 1, but boy-oh-boy, we were in for a treat the second time around! It's a great mix of cases, and I especially enjoyed the good doctor's take on the Morné Harmse and Welkom cases, which I had followed in minute detail.
It feels wrong to critique such an incredibly accomplished author, but he is evolving in his writing style and making it enjoyable for the layperson. Most of the background info and compliance issues were discussed in book 1, so this time we got into the stories right off the bat and had a good giggle every now and again. It's definitely not a light read, so the well-placed sarcasm lightens the tone without disrespecting the case or its victims.
Clearly I'm a fan of this series, and find myself sincerely hoping that the Dr has no plans for the December holidays, so that he can get cracking on part 3 (sorry, Doc, I'll buy you a beer if you say yes!). Also, isn't it just the universe at its best to see someone who spent his life working on serials, become a sort of a serial, but in the best possible way? :)
This book is a home run, 5/5 for me. Very highly recommended to anyone who is interested in true crime, or psychology, or just has a strong dose of good ol' morbid curiosity.
It feels wrong to critique such an incredibly accomplished author, but he is evolving in his writing style and making it enjoyable for the layperson. Most of the background info and compliance issues were discussed in book 1, so this time we got into the stories right off the bat and had a good giggle every now and again. It's definitely not a light read, so the well-placed sarcasm lightens the tone without disrespecting the case or its victims.
Clearly I'm a fan of this series, and find myself sincerely hoping that the Dr has no plans for the December holidays, so that he can get cracking on part 3 (sorry, Doc, I'll buy you a beer if you say yes!). Also, isn't it just the universe at its best to see someone who spent his life working on serials, become a sort of a serial, but in the best possible way? :)
This book is a home run, 5/5 for me. Very highly recommended to anyone who is interested in true crime, or psychology, or just has a strong dose of good ol' morbid curiosity.
August 16, 2022
This was so interesting!
September 15, 2022
'n Boek wat heerlik lees - as ek kon, het ek dit sommer nog twee sterre ekstra gegee. Ek het aan elke woord van die skrywer gehang. Die boek is, natuurlik, gelaai met interessante - baie keer verbysterende - inligting. Wat egter die verskil is tussen The Profiler Diaries 2 (en 1) en ander ware misdaadboeke, is Gérald se manier van aanbieding - feitlik, maar met soveel deernis vir die slagoffers en 'n goeie skeut humor deurentyd gesprinkel. Die vertelling is baie kere ontstellend en onthutsend en gevolglik moet sensitiewe lesers deeglik besin voor hul die boek aanpak.
As jy egter besluit om die boek aan te skaf, sal jy nie spyt wees nie.
As jy egter besluit om die boek aan te skaf, sal jy nie spyt wees nie.
October 23, 2022
I enjoyed this book as much as the first. Although at times there are some technical terms that I didn't understand (and will most definitely do my own research), it was a fascinating read. I already have a love for psychology and an intrigue for crime investigation this book just makes me want to know more. Chapter 1 and 5 was my favorite as I followed the cases on the news - learning some of the background was extremely interesting.
This book is definitely not for everyone, but if you love psychology and crime investigation you will definitely love this. Fingers crossed for book 3.
This book is definitely not for everyone, but if you love psychology and crime investigation you will definitely love this. Fingers crossed for book 3.
September 26, 2022
An interesting glimpse into crime scene investigation in South Africa. While a bit long / drawn out in parts (subject analysis), it’s none the less fascinating and educational.
December 25, 2022
Absolutely brilliant!
January 4, 2023
I didnt enjoy the chapter about Obama as it was long and drawn out.
December 20, 2024
Very insightful and very interesting.
April 28, 2025
I finished this book in a weekend!! First time ever I could not put a book down!!!
August 17, 2023
AS a lover of true crime and crime-thrillers, I was over the moon when I received a copy to review, even though this is the second publication by Gerard Labuschagne, one of South Africa's most esteemed criminal profilers.
As can be imagined, the book tackles some morbid and gruesome topics, however, Labuschagne managed to weave some humor into the chapters – this includes a number of self-depreciating jokes that break the tension.
It was also moving to see how Labuschagne remained not only respectful and empathetic to the victims, but neutral towards the perpetrators, many of whom had done some horrific things. There was never any judgement from his writings.
After working on a number of murder and rape cases in his fourteen-and-a half-years in the police force, one might expect some desensitisation, however, it was reassuring to see him maintain a sense of humanity.
Labuschagne also makes an effort to make the content understandable to all by breaking things down into layman's terms.
While the previous book focused a lot more on serial killers and what makes them tick, this book, for me, at least, focused a lot more on the conviction and court phases following a crime – something as a former journalist, I know many people are unfamiliar with.
I also loved that the booked delved into a mix-match of various types of crime.
This book is definitely worth reading, even if you don't have an interest in true crime. It really helps one understand the complexities of the justice system. It's not as simple as just making an arrest, getting a confession, a sentence and throwing away the key.
While there were some slight grammatical issues, I managed to devour the volume in no time, and I truly hope that there will be similar books released by Labuschagne in the future.
As can be imagined, the book tackles some morbid and gruesome topics, however, Labuschagne managed to weave some humor into the chapters – this includes a number of self-depreciating jokes that break the tension.
It was also moving to see how Labuschagne remained not only respectful and empathetic to the victims, but neutral towards the perpetrators, many of whom had done some horrific things. There was never any judgement from his writings.
After working on a number of murder and rape cases in his fourteen-and-a half-years in the police force, one might expect some desensitisation, however, it was reassuring to see him maintain a sense of humanity.
Labuschagne also makes an effort to make the content understandable to all by breaking things down into layman's terms.
While the previous book focused a lot more on serial killers and what makes them tick, this book, for me, at least, focused a lot more on the conviction and court phases following a crime – something as a former journalist, I know many people are unfamiliar with.
I also loved that the booked delved into a mix-match of various types of crime.
This book is definitely worth reading, even if you don't have an interest in true crime. It really helps one understand the complexities of the justice system. It's not as simple as just making an arrest, getting a confession, a sentence and throwing away the key.
While there were some slight grammatical issues, I managed to devour the volume in no time, and I truly hope that there will be similar books released by Labuschagne in the future.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews