The Station Strangler Case Explained in 19 Chilling Details

The case of the Station Strangler is one of the most chilling and controversial true crime mysteries in South African history. 

It was a time on the Cape Flats when every parent knew this name and every child knew to come home before dark. The fear was real; you could feel it in the way everyone kept an eye out for strangers, and the streets became quiet at sunset. 

For many people, it wasn’t a story on the news; it was right there in their neighbourhood.

In this post, we explore nineteen chilling facts that bring the full, disturbing story of the Station Strangler into focus.

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1. The Station Strangler’s Murders Spanned Almost a Decade

The series of child murders attributed to the Station Strangler occurred over a period of approximately eight years. The first known victim was found in 1986, and the killings continued sporadically until 1994, when Norman Simons was arrested.

2. Victims Lured from Train Stations

The moniker “Station Strangler” originated from the method of luring victims. Many of the boys were abducted near train stations in areas such as Mitchell’s Plain and Belhar. They were often enticed with promises of money or treats. The bodies were typically found in secluded areas like bushes or sand dunes, often in shallow graves.

3. Not Just One Killer?

Despite being convicted of a single murder, some experts believe multiple perpetrators may have been involved in the killings attributed to the Station Strangler. Professor Gerard Labuschagne, a former head of the police’s Investigative Psychology Section, suggests that the pattern of crimes could indicate more than one individual targeting young boys on the Cape Flats.

4. The True Number of Victims Remains Uncertain

While Norman Simons was convicted for the murder of 10-year-old Elroy van Rooyen, he is suspected of being responsible for the deaths of 22 young boys. The actual number of victims remains uncertain, as investigations into several cases were inconclusive.

5. A Teacher by Profession

Before his arrest, Norman Simons was a schoolteacher, which added to the shock and disbelief within the community when he was implicated in such heinous crimes.

6. A Highly Intelligent Individual

Simons was assessed as an intelligent individual who enjoyed playing classical music and spoke seven languages, including English, Afrikaans, Xhosa, and French. He was employed as a Grade Five teacher at Alpine Primary School in Beacon Valley, Mitchell’s Plain.

7. Unusual Evidence Found at Crime Scenes

In some cases, victims were found with their underwear around their necks, presumably used as a garrote. Handwritten notes were also found next to some victims, adding a disturbing element to the crimes.

8. A Community in Fear

The fear instilled by the murders led many parents to restrict their children’s movements. Children were often kept indoors, and outings were limited, as parents feared for their safety due to the unknown whereabouts of the killer.

9. Eyewitness Account

A chilling Facebook post recounts how communities were on edge, with false accusations leading to mob justice. One incident describes a man being chased by a crowd after being wrongly identified as the Strangler. He was only spared when his wife intervened, highlighting the dangers of misinformation during times of fear.

10. Kevin Pretorius’ Role

Kevin Pretorius was a key figure in the investigation of the Station Strangler. He made statements implicating Norman Simons in ill-treating children, including victims of the Station Strangler. However, he later retracted those statements, adding complexity to the case. Tragically, Kevin was murdered during the investigation, and to date, the circumstances surrounding his death remain unresolved.

11. Micki Pistorius’ Profiling Contribution

Micki Pistorius, South Africa’s first serial killer profiler, played a pivotal role in the investigation of the Station Strangler. Joining the police task team in 1994, she analysed crime scenes and victimology to develop a psychological profile of the killer.

12. The Cape Flats’ Own Boogeyman

The Station Strangler became a figure of urban legend and fear in the Cape Flats. Parents would warn their children to behave or the Station Strangler will get them. He was also referred to as “Afro-man” during that time, a nickname that added to the mystique and terror surrounding him.

13. DNA Evidence Casts Doubt

In 2010, police reopened cold cases and re-investigated DNA samples taken from crime scenes. None of the DNA found matched Simons’s, raising questions about his involvement in other murders.

14. Release on Parole

After serving 28 years in prison, Simons was granted parole in July 2023 and released in November 2023. His release sparked controversy and renewed discussions about the unresolved murders.

15. Under 24-Hour Monitoring

Following his release, Simons is under house arrest and monitored 24/7 by a caregiver. He is also receiving treatment for a medical condition and has regular meetings with the Department of Correctional Services.

16. Public Outcry Over Release

The Parow community expressed dismay over Simons’ release, with many residents feeling that justice had not been fully served.

17. A Documentary Delving into the Case

The case of the Station Strangler has been the subject of a 2024 documentary titled “The Station Strangler”, which explores the disappearance and subsequent murder of 22 boys from Mitchells Plain. The documentary features interviews with family members of the victims, lead investigator JD Kotze, and serial killer profiler Micki Pistorius.

18. A Survivor’s Account

Amid the tragedy, there is at least one known survivor who lived to tell his story. The man, who was attacked but not killed, has attended at least three identity parades over the years but was never able to identify his assailant. Importantly, he was not asked to participate in any lineup involving Norman Simons

19. A Haunting Legacy

The legacy of the Station Strangler continues to haunt the Cape Flats community, with many families still seeking answers and justice for their lost loved ones.

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