The Krugersdorp Cult Killings

Inside Cecilia Steyn's Reign of Terror

By: Jana Marx

Narrated by: Nicole Engelbrecht

Eleven murders over a period of four years sent shockwaves through the Krugersdorp community and made headlines nationwide. Eventually these murders were connected to Cecilia Steyn and her cult, Electus per Deus (chosen by God). Members of the cult were willing to do anything for Cecilia - even if it meant committing murder.

Who is Cecilia Steyn? How can one person manipulate five others to commit murder and perjury on her behalf? How did Satanism contribute to all of this? How did inexperienced criminals manage to evade capture for so long?

Jana Marx answers these and other questions in this true-crime account that led to one of the most sensational murder cases in the country’s history. Through interviews with those in the inner circle, evidence given in court and police files covering a period of four years, Marx attempts to answer the public’s questions and provide a view of the inner workings of such a cult.

Narrated and produced by Nicole Engelbrecht.

©2020 LAPA Publishers (P)2020 LAPA Publishers

Crazy story!!

I can’t even believe that this is a true story!! So compelling and disturbing! It definitely kept me interested!

Engrossing, but holy hecklesticks.

The narration production quality could be better, as some reviewers have mentioned. But I can promise any reader, this is a cult serial killer story that makes the Manson murders look like child's play - and remember, they killed a pregnant Hollywood actress and wrote on her wall with her blood. The level of manipulation and control this woman was able to exert upon her people - who were not even living in an isolated compound, as most cults do, remember - is simply astounding. It opens up the terrifying possibilities of what becomes possible with a sociopath of well above average intelligence, coupled with today's technology. That particular question isn't necessarily the point of why this book was written, but this book shows us one answer to that question. And holy hell is it terrifying.

Interesting story bad narration

The story was great but the narrator had such a slow cadence that it was distracting. It took half the book before I could follow and understand what she said. I would have enjoyed the book much more with a different narrator.

Good but room for improvement

The content is great, interesting stuff I didn’t know about the case even though I have read into it a bit. I thought the narration was really good and I am generally a fan of Nicole and her work. But there were some editing issues, the book ends very abruptly and I wonder if that is the end. Also at times the intonation seems to indicate some odd cuts in the audio that can be confusing. Otherwise loved it - so glad I read it ! Wish “ostensibly” was used a bit less. But a great read.

Accurate and compelling

Binge-listened to this book after watching the 4 part documentary on Showmax.
It's really detailed and fills in all the missing parts.
A must listen for anybody who knows the West Rand.

Crazy story - bland writing

I wanted to learn about this true crime story and the book is thorough. But the writing and delivery are bland. Clinical in its tone and presentation. Also maybe it is a cultural difference, but I kept being surprised at ridiculous things these people discussed and believed about witches, the occult, and Satanism. Also how incredibly gullible so many of the players were. I kept wonder how normal sane modern people believe in such silly make believe stories. It was like they still have the mentality of serfs on a feudal manor.

Fantastic story, deadpan reading

The story is fascinating, and I was captured in the inner workings of this infamous case. The telling of the story is very well done. I was a little overwhelmed by the sheer volume of characters involved, but I imagine that's natural given that it's an audio version. I almost need a drawing or mindmap to keep track!

I did find the performance a little deadpan and expressionless. I would have liked to hear a little more emotion in the story.

The word "surreptitiously" seemed to be used a lot, but that may just be me! Overall I'm glad I purchased and listened to this book, it was captivating and educational. I learned so much about a case just around the corner from where I live.

A shocking, wild story told without sensationalism

The story is about a woman, Cecilia Styn, who managed to draw people into her world & manipulate them into killing people for her.
The story and crimes are absurd, shocking and unbelievable. It is absurd how such deeply stupid people, leaving mountains of evidence, were able to get away with so many extremely brutal crimes. Inept cops didn't believe the initial victim and the group thought they were untouchable.

The book is very well researched and sticks to the facts of the case. What it did not do well, was shed any light on HOW Cecilia Styn was so dynamic and magnetic enough to draw in college educated professionals, to murder for her! The author didn't go into great detail about Cecilia, her followers or their beliefs. That's part of why the whole thing seems particularly absurd; the reader doesn't get to understand the draw of this very powerful woman. She meets people & next thing you know, they're killing for her.

Narration; I sped up narration to 1.20. I wonder if the narration was slowed in order for listeners to better understand the South African accent.
The narrator was actually quite good. She read the expository passages like a news presenter. Unfortunately, there were a lot of long expository passages and the narration would sound monotonous. When she read in the voices of any of the people in the book, she did a great job at differentating the voices, tones & modulations.

Overall: A solid true crime expo, w/o sensationalism, of an insane story I'd never heard of. Recommend.

Interesting story just a couple of issues

When listening on headphones you can hear background noises. People talking, dog barking. It's very light, but it's there and I found it distracting.

The narrator made this very hard to finish

I wanted to listen to this book so bad but I can’t even make it through chapter one with this book. Really sucks bc I was looking forward to it for days.