The intriguing true-crime story of captain Jonathan Morris

IN CAPE Town, where crime impacts local communities, one man distinguished himself through his unique approach to law enforcement. Captain Jonathan Morris, featured in Michael Behr’s memoir Confessor Cop, transformed how confessions were obtained from South Africa's most notorious criminals, achieving a remarkable 99% success rate over four decades. This story explores the balance between crime and humanity, highlighting a detective whose personal struggles mirrored the challenging cases he faced.

- STAFF REPORTER

Morris began his journey at 19 when he joined the police service in Philippi. Rising through the ranks to become a key member of the Serious and Violent Crimes Unit - later known as the Hawks ~ he tackled gruesome cases, from the Sizzlers Massacre to the serial killer Jimmy Maketta. Behr’s memoir provides not only a chronological account of high-profile investigations but also an intimate look at the toll such work takes on an individual.

One of the most gripping moments recounted in the book unveils the intricate psychological dance between Morris and a suspect named Trevor Theys. In a quiet office high above the buzzing city, Theys sits nervously across from Morris, who uses silence as his primary weapon. As Theys asks what evidence exists against him, Morris lists the facts with an unhurried ease.

Here is an extract from the book: CHAPTER 7: CONFESSION

A nervous-looking Theys is sitting across the desk from Jonathan in a sixth-floor office commandeered for this long-cherished moment. It is one of the quietest in the Serious and Violent Crimes Unit's headquarters. Jonathan wants the silence.