| Velaphi Ndlangamandla | |
| Alias: | "The Saloon Killer" |
| Conviction: | Murder |
| Sentence: | 137 years' imprisonment |
| Victims: | 19 |
| Beginyear: | April |
| Endyear: | September 1998 |
| Country: | South Africa |
| States: | Mpumalanga |
| Apprehended: | 10 September 1998 |
Velaphi Ndlangamandla (born), known as the Saloon Killer after the type of gun he used, is a South African robber and serial killer.
Velaphi Ndlangamandla was born around 1966.[1]
Ndlangamandla killed 19 people between April and September 1998 in Mpumalanga by shooting them. He also stole items like ammunition, radios, jewellery, clothing, cash and food from dwellings.[2]
He gained the moniker the "Saloon Killer" because he used a stolen .22 Anschütz rifle, commonly called a “saloon”.[2]
Forensic psychologist and investigator Micki Pistorius assisted with his arrest and conviction.[3] [4] [5]
A police task team arrested Ndlangamandla at the Phoswa Village near Piet Retief on 10 September 1998. He was charged with 19 counts of murder, 9 of attempted murder, 6 of robbery, one of attempted robbery, 5 of housebreaking (3 with intent to steal and theft and 2 with intent to rob and robbery), indecent assault, illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition, and pointing a firearm.[1] [6]
In September 2000 Ndlangamandla was convicted of all charges, and sentenced to 137 years' imprisonment.[1]
Ndlangamandla's case is featured in episodes 10 and 11 of the Showmax drama series Catch Me a Killer, released in February 2024. The series dramatises cases in which Micki Pistorius helps to obtain a conviction.[7] [8]