Nicole Engelbrecht discusses her true crime books Klip Koud and Bare Bones, in which she investigates some of South Africa’s most disturbing criminal cases. Through careful research and a compassionate lens, she tells the stories behind high-profile murders, disappearances, and unresolved investigations. In this conversation, Engelbrecht explores the real people, investigations, and unanswered questions behind these cases. It offers a gripping and thought-provoking look at the darker side of society and the ongoing search for truth and justice.
Nicole Engelbrecht started the podcast True Crime South Africa in 2019. It is one of the most popular podcasts in South Africa and has received several awards. Her books include Samurai Sword Murder – The Morne Harmse Story, Sizzlers – The Hate Crime That Tore Sea Point Apart, and Killer Stories, on which she was a co-author.
At a mission station in the former Rhodesia, the child Marié experiences the world around her with wonder, humor, and, as she grows older, with growing disillusionment. These are the underlying political tensions of the 1970s, of which she is only vaguely aware, and the birth of her little brother, which forces her into the role of a girl who’ll one day become a woman. When Marié and a friend get hold of a controversial document, Marié’s childlike illusions begin to crumble.
Michèle Meyer is a writer of novels, short stories, and columns. Her short story “Langsaan” won the Woordfees short story competition in 2017 and was later adapted into a short film that was screened at the Silwerskermfees. In 2022, her debut novel, Moer, was published. She lives in Pretoria.
In this original and unique story, Henning van Aswegen, a former lecturer at South Africa’s National Intelligence Academy, and the historian Peter M Swanepoel provide an in-depth analytical account of South Africa’s intelligence services and espionage operations. In the 1970s and 1980s, the Daisy Spy Ring reported on the competition between Moscow and liberal, socio-democratic Western governments to “capture the revolution” in South Africa. This story has remained secret for 40 years and has never been told before. Until now.
Henning van Aswegen was born in Bloemfontein and served as a commissioned officer in the South African Defence Force (SADF) and South Africa’s civilian intelligence services. As a student at Potchefstroom University, he worked as a stringer for South African Associated Newspapers (SAAN) and later joined the Perskor Group as a political correspondent. He is an intelligence historian and author, known for his books Spioenmeesters, The Spymasters of South Africa, Die Buro, Training Intelligence Officers, and Russian Espionage in South Africa.
Peter M Swanepoel was born in Vryheid and studied political science, philosophy, and historical studies at the University of Johannesburg. He later pursued post-graduate studies in intelligence and international relations at King’s College London. His academic paper, “The International University Exchange Fund (1977-1980)” (2016), inspired The Daisy Spy Ring. He now researches and writes on the history of cycling in South Africa.
Albé Grobbelaar is a veteran radio broadcaster and accomplished journalist who has developed a distinctive style of storytelling about the past. In Historiese Almanak, a selection of his radio talks and newspaper columns is brought together, reflecting a lifelong fascination with history that dates back to his first programme in February 1982. These brief historical snapshots offer intriguing glimpses into the past, each story a small, engaging, accessible discovery rich in memorable detail.
Albé Grobbelaar is a veteran radio broadcaster, journalist, and writer with a strong interest in history. He is best known for his historical radio talks and newspaper columns in which he shares engaging stories and events from the past, building a loyal following among listeners and readers.
Helga Roets has been living at the Silwerhare retirement home for six years. Thanks to her little car, she remains active. When an ophthalmologist diagnoses her with macular degeneration, Helga is at a loss. Especially as such a busy week lies ahead: two funerals and a wedding in Paarl! On Tuesday, Helga quietly slips out of the retirement home to begin her adventure. But Stefaans de Wet is waiting under the lamppost, determined to accompany her. Just because she supposedly can’t see.
Riaan Grobler is well known as a singer, actor, broadcaster, presenter, writer, and music compiler at RSG. Riaan was born in Polokwane and lives in Pretoria. He has written two bestselling novels in two years: Geheime op Philadelphia and Hospitaal Weltevreden. Die Avonture van Helga Roets is his third novel.
