JOHANNESBURG — 1996 · Serial Murder

The "Wemmer Pan Killer" Case

SolvedSources: ALast updated: 14 October 2026

In 1996 and 1997 a series of murders and attacks took place in Johannesburg, many around Wemmer Pan in the south of the city. Most victims were elderly men running small businesses such as tailors, shoemakers and fresh-produce traders, and couples were also attacked. The offender, dubbed the "Wemmer Pan Killer" by the press, was caught in December 1997. After a trial in Johannesburg he was convicted in 2000 of 27 murders, 26 attempted murders, 14 rapes and 41 robberies, receiving a life term for each murder and a total sentence of more than 1,340 years. The judge said he had to be permanently removed from society.

Date: 1996
Place: Wemmer Pan, Gauteng, South Africa, Johannesburg, ZA
Category: Serial Murder
Case Status: Solved
Coordinates: -26.2200, 28.0700 ↗

Timeline of Events

1996Attacks began around Wemmer Pan.
1997The killings spread to other parts of the city.

December 1997The suspect was arrested.
2000He was convicted of 27 murders and given 27 life sentences.

Sources

Source grade A: several independent sources, at least one an official record or reference work. If you spot a mistake or something missing, report it with "Suggest a correction" in the app.