Today, the three remaining members of the murderous occult known as the Krugersdorp Killers are set to appear in court for pre-sentencing procedures.

Cecilia Steyn, 38, Zak Valentine, 34, and Marcel Steyn, 21, were found guilty of a combined 32 charges back in June, having pleaded not guilty to the 11 murders committed between 2012 and 2016.

Marcel’s mother, Marinda Steyn, is serving 11 life terms and 115 years in jail for her role in the murders, and Marcel’s elder brother, Le Roux Steyn, will serve 35 years after turning state witness.

Finally, John Barnard, who was also involved, is currently serving 20 years after being sentenced back in 2016.

Much has been written and said about how disturbed the members of the group, Electus per Deus (Chosen by God), must have been to pull off such heinous crimes.

According to Professor Anni Hesselink, a criminal expert who specialises in investigating occult activity across South Africa, who spoke with TimesLIVE, these occult-type murders are all about power:

The five main Krugersdorp killers were part of Electus Per Deus, a group that viewed themselves as “Chosen by God”, targeting members of a local church group and eventually killing for financial gain.

Hesselink said occult murders are conducted to “feed the souls of the killers and enhance their powers”.

“They believe they are above the law, they lack remorse… thrive on fear. Drugs are often involved.”

Members of these murderous groups are superstitious and wholeheartedly believe in their leader.

“Members of the group also believe that they (and their leader) have magical powers, are invincible and have an invisible shield that protects them.”

That was clearly in play here, with Cecilia Steyn having told people she was the “Bride of Satan”, who could turn into a wolf and claimed to be a vampire.

Those who choose to follow ‘leaders’ like Cecilia often suffer from low self-esteem and low self-worth, making it easier for them to be manipulated.

In a new, excellent look inside how the case has unfolded so far, TimesLIVE takes us “inside the darkness”:

[source:timeslive]