Marthinus Stapelberg
Spree killer
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- Gender
- male
- Country
- South Africa
- Location
- South Africa
- Date of birth
- 1974
- Age at first offence
- 21
- Characteristics
- hate crime, police officer, rape?
- Victim profile
- Men
- Method of murder
- Shooting
- Date(s) of murder
- 1995 - 1996
- Years active
- 1995–1996
- Date of arrest
- February 1996
- Status
-
Life imprisonment
Sentenced to life in prison in 1997
Name
Marthinus Stapelberg
Background
Marthinus Stapelberg was an Internal Stability Unit policeman in South Africa.
The offence
Marthinus Stapelberg carried out a three-month shooting spree from December 1995 to January/February 1996. He was convicted of five counts of murder and three of attempted murder. He was also convicted of theft and robbery with aggravating circumstances for the shooting spree. The shooting spree involved him shooting victims and robbing several victims.
Investigation
Marthinus Stapelberg watched the film "Natural Born Killers" at least four times. In court, he said the film had had an influence on his life. He said he found the violence in the film "satisfying".
Arrest
The shooting spree ended with his arrest in February 1996.
Trial
Marthinus Stapelberg told the Johannesburg High Court that he watched the film "Natural Born Killers" at least four times and that it had had an influence on his life. In court, he said he found the violence in the film "satisfying". He told the court he "felt nothing" while killing. He said he felt nothing while killing especially if his victims were black because he "hated blacks."
Sentencing
In 1997, Marthinus Stapelberg was sentenced to life in prison. His life term was given in 1997.
Outcome
He was convicted of five counts of murder and three of attempted murder, and of theft and robbery with aggravating circumstances.
Other details
Marthinus Jakobus Stapelberg was listed as age 22 (5). A further listing included: "July 30, 1997". The listed motive was "PC-extremist/CE" and the listed modus operandi was "Racist gunman; shot blacks, robbing several victims." A further phrase in the record stated: "Marthinus has found Christ and his life had changed for the better."
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