New GBV series sheds light on SA femicide
The new true crime series Looking into Darkness sheds light on Meadowlands femicide cases ahead of its national broadcast. Through survivor stories and forensic insight, the series calls for empathy, justice and systemic change.
Looking into Darkness, a powerful new true crime series hosted by forensic investigator David Klatzow, premieres on SABC 3 at 20:30 on July 9.
Klatzow turns his gaze towards femicide, telling stories bound by one chilling fact – the victim in each case was a woman.
Ahead of its national release, an intimate community screening was held at the KOL Cafe in Meadowlands, Soweto, on June 28.
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The series focuses on GBVF, with stories told through the voices of survivors’ families. Some victims featured, including the late Tshegofatso Pule, are from Meadowlands.
Each hour-long episode delves into the brutal realities behind SA’s high femicide rate – over 10 women are killed daily, according to the SAPS.
The UN Women (2024) identifies Africa as having the highest femicide rate in the world, making this series timely and deeply relevant.
Family, friends and residents of Meadowlands came together for the screening of the late Tshegofatso Pule, assassinated by the father of her child when pregnant.
Co-producer Enver Samuels said the production team often worked on international true crime content but felt it crucial to bring this story home.
“GBV is prominent not just globally, but in our communities. We work and produce a lot of crime series that happen overseas, and as painful as it is, we wanted to raise awareness by telling these stories here,” he said.
The series not only investigates the crimes but also explores their emotional aftermath. Dramatic re-enactments, survivor testimonies and probing analysis offer raw insight into the trauma endured by those left behind.
Tumisang Katane, Pule’s uncle, shared the family’s continued struggle, “Even after five years, the pain hasn’t eased.
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“We hope this story encourages others to leave when they see the first red flag; it could save their life,” he said.
Botlhale Modisane, the spokesperson for the Tshegofatso Pule Foundation, noted the significance of the screening location.
“This is where Tshego used to spend time. The episode, titled Strange Fruit, will be emotional. It’s detailed, with re-enactments that portray what really happened,” he said.
“A lot of research went into this, and we hope the community walks away with lessons that can protect others.”
Looking into Darkness explores the heart of darkness but also calls for empathy, courage and change.
Be moved, held and haunted by stories looking deep into the heart of darkness.
