Welcome to Episode 53 of the official Murder & Mayhem: South African True Crime podcast.

Welcome back to Murder and Mayhem hosted by Bella Monsoon. Here's a little look into today's episode:

In 2010, Leano Vergotine was convicted of a heinous crime. He served roughly twelve years of a fifteen-year sentence. He was released on parole. And within six months of walking free, he began targeting more victims once again.

In June 2026, Acting Judge Amanda van Leeve looked at Leano Vergotine and said: "You are a modern-day monster."

This episode isn't only about the heinous crimes he committed but It's about the gap - the six months he was free, the system that released him, the court's own finding that he was never adequately monitored, and the teenager whose courage is the only reason those other two children were ever found.

I'm Bella Monsoon, a registered mental health professional and South Africa's first trauma-informed true crime creator.

Content warning: this episode covers child sexual abuse and child sexual exploitation material. It is trauma-informed, victim-centred, and does not include gratuitous detail. Viewer discretion is advised.

For images, sources, and real footage related to this case, please visit my YouTube channel, Bella Monsoon, where this story has been covered in full video format.

SHOP the South African Truly Criminal Colouring Book: https://shop.bellamonsoon.com/collections/books

Mental Health Resources:

If any part of this episode feels triggering, please know that support is available and reaching out is a strength.

A full list of international mental health resources can be found at BellaMonsoon.com. If you are in South Africa, you can contact SADAG on 0800 12 13 14.

Support the show: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/join/BellaMonsoon PayPal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/bellamonsoon

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