African streaming platform Showmax has announced the release of an unsettling true-crime series that delves into the chilling story of Stewart ‘Boetie Boer’ Wilken, a notorious serial killer. Titled “Boetie Boer: Inside the Mind of a Monster,” this five-part series takes viewers back to 1990s South Africa, where Wilken initiated a killing spree in the city of Port Elizabeth, targeting vulnerable victims such as female sex workers and young children.
Wilken’s atrocities, showcased in the series set to debut in October, shed light on his unique modus operandi and the disturbing depths of his psychopathy. Through unsettling interviews with Dr. Gérard Labuschagne, the former section head of the Investigative Psychology Section of the South African Police Services, Wilken unapologetically details his heinous crimes. The series finds balance by including accounts from those involved in the investigation and the eventual apprehension of the ruthless killer.
The Unusual Serial Killer
One of the most intriguing aspects of Wilken’s story is the remarkable deviation from traditional serial killer patterns. Unlike most who have a specific type or victim profile, Wilken displayed a wide range of targets across different races and backgrounds. His victims included predominantly female sex workers and young boys, often street children. Moreover, Wilken shockingly claimed to engage in acts of necrophilia and cannibalism with his victims, evoking sheer terror.
As the series unfolds, the audience is introduced to the haunting voices of Wilken’s victims and their families who suffered at the hands of his malevolence. Interviews with the family of Georgina Zweni, one of Wilken’s victims, offer a glimpse into the devastating aftermath caused by the killer’s actions. Additionally, the series features conversations with Wilken’s own surviving children, Sonika and Sergius, providing a unique perspective on their father’s horrific deeds.
Given the scarcity of audiovisual resources regarding Wilken’s crimes, the series heavily relies on reenactments to bring the story to life visually. Director Jasyn Howes, known for the award-winning South African short documentary “Dula,” emphasizes the importance of recreations to provide a more immersive viewing experience. Inspired by groundbreaking true-crime documentaries like “Wormwood,” which blur the lines between documentary and narrative filmmaking, Howes aims to elevate the genre and captivate local audiences.
“Boetie Boer: Inside the Mind of a Monster” is a collaboration between Stage 5 Films and Fifth Floor Films, known for their exceptional contributions to the world of documentaries. Stage 5 Films has received critical acclaim for projects like “Unearthed,” winner of the Green Award at the Sheffield International Documentary Festival, and “The Journeymen,” which secured the title of Best South African Documentary at Durban. Their track record guarantees an intense and thought-provoking exploration of Wilken’s unsettling crimes.
Where True Crime Meets International Screens
MultiChoice Studios, affiliated with Showmax, will oversee the international distribution of “Boetie Boer” and the streaming platform’s broader portfolio of true-crime content. This highlights Showmax’s commitment to showcasing gripping and immersive true-crime stories. In addition to “Boetie Boer,” Showmax offers other chilling series such as “Rosemary’s Hitlist” and “Devilsdorp,” captivating viewers with real-life tales of horror and suspense.
A Warning to the Curious
With the impending premiere of “Boetie Boer: Inside the Mind of a Monster” on October 18, Allan Sperling, Executive Head of Content at Showmax, emphasizes the necessity for viewer discretion. Even though the series targets an audience over the age of 18, the spine-chilling nature of the content necessitates caution. Prepare to be truly unsettled as you dive into the depths of the human psyche and witness the horrifying legacy of Stewart ‘Boetie Boer’ Wilken.