Antiquarian Auctions

Auction #135 begins on 12 Nov 2026

Harms (Theo)

THE LOSKOP KILLER (1975) - signed by the author and with a handwritten letter

A true-crime historical documentary about Mtimane Msundwana, a notorious serial killer know as "The Loskop Killer", active between 1929-1936

Published: Shuter & Shooter, Pietermaritzburg, 1975

Edition: First Edition

Reserve: $60

Approximately:

Estimate: $90

Bidding opens: 12 Nov 16:30 GMT

Bidding closes: 19 Nov 16:30 GMT

Ships from: South Africa

Lot 167 preview

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Publisher's pictorial softcover binding.

vii + 202pp. Illustrated with black & white photographs.

This copy contains a handwritten letter (in German) from the author Theo Harms to his niece Friedeborg and her husband. He expresses his condolences for the passing of her mother and says he knows how it feels as he experienced the same profound sorrow with the passing of his own father, who was only 57, and to whom he was very close. He thanks Friedeborg for her kind words about his book and concludes by saying aunt Frieda (to whom the book is dedicated) sends her regards. The letter is dated 16 January 1976.

The book is additionally signed on the title page. The author immigrated as a small boy from Germany with his missionary parents to South Africa. He wrote The Loskop Killer in his 80th year.

The Loskop Killer is a South African true-crime book focusing on Mtimane Msundwana, a notorious serial killer known as "The Loskop Killer" who was active in the Loskop and Ntabamhlope districts in Natal between 1929 to 1936. Msundwana targeted isolated trading stores in rural Natal. He was convicted of robbing and shooting dead at least six people and subsequently executed by hanging in 1937. 
 
The book is considered a highly collectible and uncommon piece of South African true-crime literature, meticulously reconstructing the trial and investigation of one of the country's earliest documented serial killers.
  • Binding Condition: Very Good
  • Overall Condition: Very Good


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