“Dark Side of Glory” is a true crime documentary series that explores shocking murder cases in the world of sports.
Did you hear about the Blue Bulls rugby player who transformed into an axe-wielding murderer?
Have you heard of the Kenyan world record holder who might have been a strong Olympic contender had he not been murdered?
The Dark Side of Glory This true crime documentary series explores shocking murder cases in the world of sports.
The documentary series was directed by Ariana Perretta, who won Best Documentary at the 2023 Broadcast Digital Awards. A footballer, his wife and an accident It has been nominated for a True Crime Award in 2024. Football Scammers.
“Durban Axe Murderer: The Rugby Killer” – Joseph Ntshongwana
The first episode, Durban Axe Murderer: The Rugby Killeris a fascinating 76-minute documentary that delves into the story of Joseph Ntshongwana, a former South African U21 and Blue Bulls rugby player from 1998-2001.
Ten years later, he was arrested for the brutal murder of four men with an axe and the wounding of two others. Ntshongwana claimed he was taking revenge for the gang-rape and HIV infection of his daughter, but an investigation revealed that he had never had any children.
“There's a saying: 'He wouldn't hurt a fly,'” recalled former Blue Bulls teammate McNeil Hendricks. “It's hard to believe that the Joseph Ntshongwana we knew could have committed such a horrific act.”
The episode features interviews with Captain Rico Naidoo, Colonels Jason McGray and Zeve Klein, Detective Marius van der Rooy, former South African Police Chief Profiler Dr Gerard Labuschagne, Senior State Advocate Nadira Moosa, psychiatrist Dr Zubaa Moolah, rugby journalist Brenden Nel and other key witnesses.
“It was crucial to ensure that the voices of victims and witnesses were heard. It was particularly powerful to hear Fikile Mkhwanazi, the partner of murder victim Paulus Hlonwa, share his experience,” Perretta stressed.
Check out the trailer here:
“Death in the Heartland” – Murder of Three Athletes
Episode 2, Death in the Heartland, It delves into the tragic murders of three female runners in Kenya in 2021. Edith Musoni was killed, followed the next day by Agnes Tirop, and six months later by Damaris Muthe Mutua. All three women were allegedly murdered by those closest to them, including their partners and coaches.
Two of the murders took place in Iten, Kenya's famed elite running centre, where Tirop, an Olympian and two-time World Athletics Championship medallist, was found stabbed to death in her home just after setting a world record in the 10,000 metres in Germany and where she was expected to be a top contender at the Paris Olympics.
“The culture of elite sport often glorifies tunnel vision in order to achieve goals, but this leaves athletes extremely vulnerable,” said Dr Yetza Tuakli Wosornou of Yale University.
The documentary features interviews with Inspector Andro Munga of the Criminal Investigation Department, her coach Joseph Cheromei, Agnes' family and neighbours, and Olympian Viola Cheptu Lagat, co-founder of Tirops Angels, which fights gender-based violence.
Perretta noted that this story highlights the challenges facing young female athletes and celebrates the courage of those who mobilized to challenge structural issues within Kenya's elite running community.
Perretta also emphasised that the series draws attention to the real voices behind these cases, from the dedicated Durban police team who delivered justice in the Ntsongwana case, to the brave friends and family of Musoni, Tirop and Muthee who exposed the exploitation of female athletes. “These stories are raw, powerful and shocking.”
Check out the trailer here:
*Both episodes available to watch on Showmax
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