Home » Co-Author of Controversial Magnus Malan Book, Mark Minnie, Found Dead

Co-Author of Controversial Magnus Malan Book, Mark Minnie, Found Dead

Former policeman Mark Minnie, who co-authored the controversial expose on Magnus Malan, has been found dead on a friend’s smallholding just outside Port Elizabeth in the Eastern Cape, South Africa, according to local reports. Well known writer Marianne Thamm, who penned the foreword to the book, tweeted this morning: “Devastated by the news that Mark […]

By Jenni Baxter
14-08-18 11:18
in Eish!

Former policeman Mark Minnie, who co-authored the controversial expose on Magnus Malan, has been found dead on a friend’s smallholding just outside Port Elizabeth in the Eastern Cape, South Africa, according to local reports.

Well known writer Marianne Thamm, who penned the foreword to the book, tweeted this morning: “Devastated by the news that Mark Minnie co-author of Lost Boys of Bird Island has been found dead in the Eastern Cape from an apparent suicide….something is amiss.”

The book alleged that former Defence Minister Malan had been part of a paedophile network in South Africa during the apartheid years… and had been involved in taking young Coloured children to Bird Island – in Algoa Bay, near PE – where the minors were molested by older men. These men allegedly included Malan, disgraced PE businessman John Allen, former Environmental Minister John Wiley, and another unnamed Minister who is apparently still alive. Malan died in 2011 while the other two “officially” committed suicide in 1987.

There had been an investigation into the ring, but it was brought to an end by police in the ’80s.

Many commenters on social media have echoed Thamm’s feeling that “something is amiss” with one TV journalist saying: “After reading #TheLostBoysOfBirdIsland I am finding it hard to believe that #MarkMinnie would end his own life!”

A social media user tweeted: “Did we actually think the paedophile ring which includes most powerful politicians, business people and legal officials will take kindly to being exposed like this? Most of our heroes are paedophiles who will kill everyone to protect themselves. Kudos to Mark Minnie.”

Simon Grindrod said: “Mark Minnie bravely exposed the horrendous truth with his co-author. Speculation unwise, but why commit suicide shortly after release of an acclaimed book? This needs intense scrutiny. Sympathies to his family.”

The former detective had been living abroad. About ten weeks ago he posted a photo of himself in Malaysia and said: “The Far-East is awesome, mate. Do some teaching, go on a holiday, do some teaching again, then another holiday. And that’s how it goes. Get to see Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia and Indonesia.”

According to News24, Minnie’s co-author – journalist Chris Steyn – confirmed the tragic news that Minnie has passed away. A firearm was allegedly found next to his body.

Netwerk24 have reported that police don’t suspect foul play, and that an inquest docket has been opened.

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