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Chapter 1 Statement of the Problem, Historical Background University of Pretoria etd – Barkhuizen, J (2005) University of Pretoria etd – Barkhuizen, J (2005) University of Pretoria etd – Barkhuizen, J (2005) University of Pretoria etd – Barkhuizen, J (2005) University of Pretoria etd – Barkhuizen, J (2005) University of Pretoria etd – Barkhuizen, J (2005) University of Pretoria etd – Barkhuizen, J (2005) University of Pretoria etd – Barkhuizen, J (2005) University of Pretoria etd – Barkhuizen, J (2005) University of Pretoria etd – Barkhuizen, J (2005) University of Pretoria etd – Barkhuizen, J (2005) University of Pretoria etd – Barkhuizen, J (2005) University of Pretoria etd – Barkhuizen, J (2005) University of Pretoria etd – Barkhuizen, J (2005) CHAPTER 1 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM, HISTORICAL BACKGROUND AND AIMS OF THE STUDY Well…Hallo Clarice -Dr. Hannibal “The Cannibal” Lecter, Hannibal 1.1 INTRODUCTION In this chapter the focus is on introducing the concept, phenomenon and problem of serial homicide. This will be achieved through a brief discussion of the historical context of serial homicide, internationally and in South Africa. The aim and structure of the current research as well as its value within the South African context will be highlighted. Serial homicide is a type of repetitive murder where no extrinsic motive is discernable such as found in other forms of murder. It seems to be, that the act of serial homicide produces certain intrinsic (psychological) rewards for the serial killer (Bartol, 1999; Holmes & De Burger, 1988; Pistorius, 1996; Ressler, Burgess & Douglas, 1988). The researcher is of the opinion that this psychological reward is rooted in the killer’s intrapsychic and object relation development. The statement of the problem will now be addressed. 1.2 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM The mystery surrounding serial homicide is the apparent lack of motive for the murder. No extrinsic motive such as robbery, financial gain, passion or revenge exists, as there usually is in the case of other murders (Bartol, 1999). According to various authors (Bartol, 1999; Holmes & De Burger, 1988; Pistorius, 1996; Ressler et al.,1988) serial homicide is a serious, worldwide problem. Although it has received a mammoth amount of media attention, only a relatively small amount of scientifically based research exists. Since the 1970s various models and theories such as the psychosocial theory (Egger, 1984); learning theory (Ansevics & Doweiko, 1991; De Hart & Mahoney, 1994; De River, 1958; Donnerstein & Berkowits, 1981; Ellis & Gullo, 1971; Lester & 1 University of Pretoria etd – Barkhuizen, J (2005) Lester, 1975; Malamuth & Check, 1980), the motivational model (Ressler et al., 1988), fantasy model (MacCulloch, Snowden, Wood & Mills, 1983; Prentky, Wolbert-Burgess, Rokous, Lee, Hartman, Ressler & Douglas, 1989), neurological theory (Money, 1990), psychiatric model( American Psychiatric Association, 1994), post-modern theories (Herkov, Meyers & Burket, 1994; Jenkins, 1994; Lane & Gregg, 1992; Simon, Stierlin & Wynne, 1985), feminist approach (Caputi, 1989; 1993; Keeny & Heide, 1994; Paredes & Purdum, 1990; Wilkins, 1995), and the paranormal/demonological approach (Ivey, 1993; 2002; Kamir, 2001) models have been used to explain the phenomenon of serial homicide. Although well researched, the models have not been successful in identifying the antecedent reason in the development of serial killer behaviour. This trend has also been observed in the South African academic context within the work of Du Plessis (1998), Labuschagne (1997; 2001) and Pistorius (1996). Due to this dearth of knowledge, as well as the fact that serial killers commit their murders in secret, and that their modus operandi (MO) differ, no single profile can be constructed that will fit all serial killers. As a result, law enforcement agencies are confronted with the dilemma of searching for an offender about whom they have inadequate information. When and if a serial killer is caught, the criminal justice system has to decide whether the offender should be sentenced to life imprisonment or be committed to a mental institution as a State President’s patient. The reason for the commitment to a psychiatric institution is that, due to the acts they commit, most serial killers are believed to suffer from some form of mental disorder. However, researchers such as Bartol (1999), Holmes & De Burger (1988), Pistorius (1996) and Ressler et al. (1988) state that most serial killers do not suffer from mental pathology. They argue that most serial killers, when caught, feign mental pathology in order to escape a harsh prison sentence. An example of this malingering can be found in the case of Kenneth “Hillside Strangler” Bianchi. Bianchi, after being caught, claimed to be suffering from a disassociative identity disorder. After careful examination of his residence, it was found that he kept books on the diagnosis of this disorder. A hypnotherapist also found that Bianchi was simulating symptoms that he thought people suffering from this disorder should exhibit. In the Bianchi case the malingering did succeed and he was sentenced to death. Another problem related to serial homicide is that, although it makes up a small percentage of all violent crime, the media’s over-reporting of and focus on these crimes, coupled with the stereotypical portrayal of such murderers as preternatural, 2 University of Pretoria etd – Barkhuizen, J (2005) highly intelligent raving lunatics in films such as Silence of The Lambs, Hannibal and Natural Born Killers increases societal fear (Caputi, 1993). This fear, coupled with the perception that the law enforcement agencies can do nothing to stop a serial killer, often leads to vigilantism and violence. Two prime examples of incidents that gave rise to vigilantism and violence are the “Station Strangler” case in Mitchell’s Plain, South Africa and the “Son of Sam” murders in New York (USA). In the case of the “Station Strangler” the community started stoning the police station (Criminal Minds, SABC 2, 12 January 2003), while in the “Son of Sam” case individuals who acted in a suspicious fashion were assaulted by neighbourhood watch groups (Douglas & Olshaker, 1999). As previously discussed, and despite the current reactions to serial homicide, the phenomenon has plagued western society for more that 500 years. Due to this it is important to review serial homicide within its historical context. 1.3 HISTORICAL CONTEXT Serial murder is a contemporary description for a phenomenon that was previously described as lust murder (Jenkins, 1994). This concept was used as a result of the incorrect translation from the German word “lustmőrd”, in which serial killing is equated with sexual sadism. Several contemporary authors state that, although sexual sadism may occur, it is not a precondition for serial homicide (Jenkins, 1994; Keeny & Heide, 1994; Turvey, 1999). Serial murder is a phenomenon that has only become the focus of academic research and intensive investigations by law enforcement officials over the past 50 years. As a unique phenomenon it can, however be traced back to fifteenth century France. A French nobleman, Gilles de Rais, was charged with the murder and sexual brutalising of 40 peasant boys. In this a sexual motive was given as the only explanation for his crimes. Today it is realised that de Rias was the first recoded serial killer in history (Hickey, 1991). In England the most notorious and well-known serial killer of all time was “Jack the Ripper”. During the nineteenth century he stalked the streets of London, and brutally raped, killed and dismembered prostitutes while taunting the police with letters. The reason why “Jack” is the most well known of all serial killers is that he was the first serial killer to make headlines in the media and to date represents the first serial homicide case that is still open and unsolved (Caputi, 1989; Rumbelow, 1988). Given the American and European history of serial homicide, the false assumption can be made that it is only an Amero-European 3 University of Pretoria etd – Barkhuizen, J (2005) problem. However, South Africa also has a history of serial murder. The South African context as it relates to serial homicide will now be addressed. 1.4 SOUTH AFRICAN CONTEXT Dr G.N Labuschagne, Head: Investigative Psychology Unit, South African Police Service (personal communication, 16 November 2003) affirms that there is not enough research regarding the personality development of the serial killer and emphasises that during the past 12 years (1992-2004) South Africa has had at least 50 serial killings. Labuschagne (1997, 2001) and Pistorius (1996) both point out that a limited number of studies on South African serial killers have been undertaken. Unofficially (in the academic and police community) South Africa has the second highest incidence of serial crimes (such as rape, murder and abduction) in the world (Pistorius, 2000). Due to the complex nature of South African crime statistics this statement cannot be confirmed or denied. Du Plessis (1998) states that from 1930 to 1997, there have been 33 serial killers in South Africa. The 33 South African serial killers he identified are listed below. • 1930: Unidentified • 1956: Elifasi “The Axe Murderer” Msomi; Unidentified • 1960: Elias “Pangaman” Xitavhudzi • 1970: “Iron Man”; John “Axeman” Kgabi • 1980: “Bergie killer” • 1982: Joseph Mahlangu • 1983: Cornelius Burger; Phillip Khehla Magoso • 1986-1994: “Station Strangler” • 1988: David Motshekgwa • 1989: Johannes Mashiane • 1989-1992: Jacobus Petrus Geldenhuys
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