Moses Sithole, known as the “ABC Killer,” terrorised South Africa in the mid-1990s. His story is one of charm, cruelty, and shattered trust.

Moses Sithole – “The ABC Killer” (South Africa)

Moses Sithole is remembered as one of South Africa’s most terrifying serial killers.
His crimes brought fear to communities that once trusted strangers offering help.
He was nicknamed “The ABC Killer” because his murders took place in three areas — Atteridgeville, Boksburg, and Cleveland.

What made him even more dangerous was how ordinary he appeared.
He spoke politely, dressed neatly, and often came across as helpful.
But behind that mask was a man capable of unspeakable cruelty.

A Troubled Childhood

Moses Sithole was born in 1964 in a poor township. His early life was filled with hardship and abandonment.
When his father died, his mother struggled to care for the children. Eventually, she left them at an orphanage.

The orphanage, instead of offering care, exposed him to harsh treatment. These experiences shaped his resentment and anger from a young age.
As a teenager, Sithole committed his first rape and served time in prison. He later claimed this period hardened him.

Many serial killers have turbulent pasts that influence their actions later in life. For example, Henry Lee Lucas also had a disturbing childhood, which you can read about in Inside the Mind of a Killer – Henry Lee Lucas.

Luring Victims with False Promises

In the early 1990s, Sithole devised a clever and sinister plan.
He posed as a businessman who ran a fake charity called “Youth Against Human Abuse.”
He approached women looking for work, pretending to offer job opportunities.

Many victims trusted him. His soft-spoken nature and professional manner made him seem genuine.
Once he gained their trust, he would lead them to isolated areas on the outskirts of towns.
There, he revealed his true nature. He sexually assaulted and then strangled them — often using their own clothing.

His pattern was deliberate. It allowed him to blend in and avoid suspicion for months.

The Murders That Terrified a Nation

Between 1994 and 1995, Moses Sithole went on a brutal killing spree.
He murdered at least 38 women and raped more than 40.
Communities across South Africa were living in fear. Women avoided strangers, job offers, and even walking alone.

The killings followed a haunting pattern. Victims disappeared after meeting a man who promised them work. Days later, their bodies were found in remote fields.
The country’s police faced growing pressure as panic spread.

Stories like this remind us how serial offenders often exploit kindness and vulnerability. Similar tactics were used by other killers like Mohan Kumar, whose chilling case you can explore in Inside the Dark Mind of Killer Mohan Kumar.

How He Was Finally Caught

Sithole’s arrest was dramatic. He contacted a journalist, boasting about his crimes. He even gave directions to some of the victims’ bodies to prove his identity.
This arrogance helped police narrow down their search.

When officers finally approached him, he attacked with an axe. They shot and wounded him during the struggle. He was taken into custody soon after.

The trial that followed shocked the nation. His calm manner in court contrasted with the horrific crimes he committed. Witnesses, families, and survivors came forward to share their pain.

Life Behind Bars

In December 1997, Moses Sithole was sentenced to 2,410 years in prison. He must serve 930 years before he can even be considered for parole.
He currently remains in a maximum-security prison.

The sentence sent a strong message — that such cruelty would not be tolerated. But for many families, no punishment could undo the pain left behind.

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Understanding the Mind of a Predator

Sithole blamed his past and claimed women reminded him of those who “wronged” him. But behind these excuses lay a calculated predator.
He knew how to read people, how to appear trustworthy, and how to exploit desperation.

His case revealed how dangerous manipulation can be. It also exposed weaknesses in early investigations, as many of his killings could have been connected sooner.

Final Thoughts

The story of Moses Sithole is more than just a chilling true crime tale.
It’s a reminder of the importance of community awareness, early intervention, and trusting instincts.
His victims were ordinary women, looking for opportunities — and their trust was cruelly betrayed.

As we remember their lives, we must continue to talk about these stories openly.
By understanding how such individuals operate, societies can build stronger protections against future predators.