DR. MICKI PISTORIUS

La Voisin & Maria Lee: The Allure of Female Poisoners

Besides both being regarded as infamous poisoners Catherine Montvoisin, colloquially known as La Voisin, a key figure in the 17th century-Affair des Poisons in France, and Maria Lee, a notorious murderer in post-Second World War South Africa, had several traits in common. Although neither were attractive, they both had a certain sensual allure, that ‘bewitched’ […]

Cougars Poisoning: Lusting for Young Lovers

Several cougar poisoners killed those who opposed their relationships with younger men. American Martha Wise almost wiped out her entire family, and two South African women were executed for poisoning their husbands to pursue their young lovers. The Things We Do For Love, is a song released in 1976 by the British band 10cc. The […]

Smelling a Rat – Rodenticides, Female Rat Poisoners

The standard answer “I bought the poison for rats” alerts experienced detectives to “smell a rat” and investigate female poisoners. Rats are commensal, benefitting from human proximity. They evolved millions of years ago in Asia and moved in with humans, for humans provided a readily available source of food, whether their crops, their granaries or […]

Meddling and Peddling Poisons and Potions

In Greek mythology, Medea, princess of Colchis, was regarded as a sorceress, an accomplished “pharmakeía” and is often depicted as a high-priestess of the goddess, Hecate. When Medea was abandoned by her husband Jason in favour of Glauke, princess of Corinth, she took revenge on her rival by sending her a dress and a crown […]

Powerful Princesses and Policial Poisonings

Where the motive of the 17th-century Spana Prosecution poisoners was to rid themselves of their abusive husbands, there exists another class of poisoners – those who use poison for political advancement. Long before the Renaissance trio of Thofiania d’Adamo, Giullia Tofana and Gironima Spana concocted the arsenic-based Aqua Tofana, Rome’s most famous poisoner was Locusta, […]

Jul 16 2023

Academic And Skills Developer

ACADEMIC AND SKILLS DEVELOPER

Knowledge is wealth and power and should be shared. Micki Pistorius matriculated at Hoërskool Menlo Park, Pretoria in 1978. The following year she enrolled for a BA majoring in Psychology and Languages at the University of Pretoria and upon qualifying, she embarked upon a career in journalism, working in diverse media. Ten years later, she […]

by micki

Jun 16 2023

Psychologist

PSYCHOLOGIST

In 1994 Micki Pistorius obtained her Master’s degree in Counselling Psychology and registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa as a psychologist. Her thesis covered the clinical topic: “A cross evaluation of theories regarding the Oedipus complex by example of a case study”. Upon registration, she was immediately appointed as the first psychological […]

by Dr. Micki Pistorius

Jun 16 2023

Author

AUTHOR

As a child Micki Pistorius’ natural curiosity was cultivated by both her parents and developed into an insatiable interest in history, art and literature. She enrolled for a BA degree, majoring in Psychology and Languages at the University of Pretoria. She has studied German in school and French at university. Her very first appointment was […]

by micki

Jun 16 2023

Curriculum Vitae, Personal

PERSONAL

Micki Pistorius was born on 19 March 1961 in Pretoria to her parents Carl Wilhelm Irene Pistorius and Iolanthe Tancred. Both her parents cultivated an interest in history and encouraged their children to read. As a child Micki always wanted to be a writer. Her childhood was nomadic and she attended several primary schools and […]

by micki