Johannes Mashiane

Overview

Johannes Mashiane was known as "The Beast of Atteridgeville." He was a South African serial killer who sodomised and killed boys, with deaths attributed to either strangling or stoning. He was also described as a pedophile and a rapist.

Other names and identities

Johannes Mashiane was also known as "The Beast of Atteridgeville."

The offence

Johannes Mashiane killed his girlfriend and later began a spate of murder involving sodomised young boys. At least 12 boys were killed by either strangling or stoning. An intended 13th victim, whom Mashiane had left for dead, survived to tell the tale.

Mashiane’s activities were described as beginning circa 1977, and as accounting for 13 victims in total.

Background

Mashiane served a five-year sentence for killing his girlfriend. He was released in 1982.

Investigation and police pursuit

In October 1989, Mashiane died when he jumped under a bus in Marabastad while being chased by police. The pursuit occurred in Marabastad, described as a Pretoria suburb.

Death and outcome

Mashiane died in October 1989 after jumping under a bus while fleeing police during the chase following an attack in which a 13th child survived.

Timeline

• circa 1977 — Mashiane began his murderous activity
• 1982 — After serving a five-year sentence for killing his girlfriend, Mashiane was released and immediately started a spate of murder and sodomy involving young boys
• October 1989 — Mashiane was chased by police in Marabastad and died when he jumped under a bus

Disposition and case details

Mashiane’s disposition included five years for his first murder. He later killed at least 12 young boys by strangulation or stoning. One victim survived his attention and later testified.

Motive and method

The motive was given as "PC/Sex." The method of killing was described as murdering his girlfriend in 1982, followed by killing boys through strangling or stoning, together with sodomy.