In the first episode of a brand new South African podcast series, amateur detective Thomas Mollett explains his theories on what really happened that Valentine’s night in 2013, as well as revealing who he thinks actually killed Stellenbosch University student, Inge Lotz, in 2005.

Mollett has devoted his life to solving these two murders, two of the country’s highest profile and most baffling cases – and all from his lounge where he recreates crime scenes, pores over photos till the early hours, calculates blood loss and bashes pigs’ heads around with a hammer just like the one he believes was used to kill Inge. Unlikely as it may seem though, the establishment is beginning to take him seriously.

Thomas is the opening subject of Kagiso Media’s new 30-minute podcast series, First Person. Presented by award-winning journalist and author, Marianne Thamm, First Person aims to uncover the extraordinary stories that lurk behind some of the most ordinary-looking South African front doors. 

“I have always been fascinated by the idea that we are around people all the time, in every day situations but we have no idea what their lives are really like,” says Thamm. “Nearly everyone has something extraordinary about them, a story that would make you think ‘I’d never had known that just to look at them’. We’ve uncovered some of those stories.”

These include the 71-year-old granny who’s on a mission to convert the world to the benefits of magic mushrooms; the married middle-class woman who discovered BDSM at the age of 40 and the pigeon-obsessive who knows that his birds are coming between him and his wife – all upcoming First Person subjects.

The podcast series has been commissioned by Kagiso Media, which has interests across multi-media platforms – including East Coast Radio, Jacaranda and Kaya FM. First Person is produced by radio and podcast producer, Jayne Morgan.

“Podcasts like Serial and This American Life are beginning to play an important role in our audience’s lives,” says Nick Grubb, Chief Executive: Radio at Kagiso Media. “But nearly all the podcasts they’re listening to are from overseas. We wanted to create a custom-made series that we believe will be just as compelling – but something that’s completely South African. We see podcasting as a powerful extension of our relationship with our audiences.”

Most smart phones are equipped with ‘podcatching’ apps, which mean that if you subscribe to a podcast, the latest episode is automatically downloaded to your phone and you can listen whenever and wherever you like.

To listen to or download First Person – Thomas Mollett, go to www.firstpersonpod.com. It’s a free download. On the website you’ll find more information, photos and the chance to subscribe to future editions.


Source: Thomas Mollet and Pictures credit: Jayne Morgan