Elias Xitavhudzi was a South African serial killer who murdered 16 women in Atteridgeville, South Africa, in the 1950s. Xitavhudzi targeted only whites in the then-strictly segregated community. His killing spree caused a local sensation during the peak years of South Africa's apartheid regime. Prior to his capture, he acquired the nickname "Pangaman" (panga being a local word for the machete with which he mutilated his victims).

Elias Xitavhudzi
Born
Elias Xitavhudzi

Died(1960-11-14)14 November 1960
Cause of deathExecution by hanging
Other namesPangaman
Criminal penaltyDeath by hanging
Details
Victims16
Span of crimes
1953–1959
CountrySouth African Union

Xitavhudzi was arrested after selling a stolen watch that had belonged to one of his victims. In prison, he confessed to all his crimes. He was quickly tried and convicted of 16 murders. Sentenced to death, he was hanged on 14 November 1960. He was the second in a series of at least a half-dozen serial killers to have plagued the township of Atteridgeville.[1]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ Newton, Michael (2006). The Encyclopedia of Serial Killers. Infobase. pp. 207, 246. ISBN 9780816069873.