In the heart of South Africa, a new breed of crime-fighter emerged in 1994. Micki Pistorius, a former journalist turned psychologist, became the nation’s first serial killer profiler. This was a time when criminal profiling was still a relatively new concept, having been used in earnest in the U.S. since the 1970s.
Pistorius’ journey began in Cape Town, where she was called upon to assist in the infamous Station Strangler case. The Strangler had been terrorising the city for eight years, responsible for the horrific rape and murder of 21 boys. The police were desperate for new leads and hoped that Pistorius’ psychological profiling could provide the breakthrough they needed.
The profiler’s first encounter with the grim reality of her new career came when she discovered a small skeletal hand sticking out of the sand at a crime scene. This chilling discovery served as a stark reminder of the gravity of her work. “This is not a game, this is real,” she realised.
Despite the daunting nature of her task, Pistorius proved to be instrumental in the capture of the Station Strangler. Her success in this case marked the beginning of a six-year career in profiling, during which she aided detectives in apprehending over 35 serial killers.
Pistorius’ unique approach to criminal profiling involved thinking like a murderer. She believed that understanding the mindset of a killer was key to predicting their actions and ultimately leading to their capture. Her work has been immortalised in the 11-part drama series “Catch Me A Killer,” which provides a dramatised account of her experiences.
The series, which stars Game of Thrones actress Charlotte Hope as Pistorius, is based on the profiler’s bestselling memoir. It offers viewers a glimpse into the mind of a serial killer profiler and the chilling cases she helped solve.
Pistorius’ groundbreaking work in criminal profiling has left an indelible mark on law enforcement in South Africa. Her story serves as a testament to the power of psychological understanding in the fight against crime. As she once told her students,
“What are you waiting for? Go catch me, a killer”.
