My Masters Criminology Degree (Cum Laude) was research-based focusing on the phenomenon of maternal filicide (mothers who murder their children). Through the research, I was able to identify four theoretical pathways to maternal filicide and develop a model to explain the occurrence of the phenomenon. From the research, I was able to co-author a peer-reviewed journal article with Professor Francois Steyn
071 685 0624
WHO AM I?
Melissa Viljoen-Castlemaine
Criminologist
I am one of the few Criminologists actively working in the field in South Africa. I consider myself a professional passionate about justice and delivering impartial expertise in the fight for equality, an advocate for social change and an inquisitive academic
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Analyst at Global Initiative Against Transnational Crime
I joined the GI-TOC in 2024 as a member of the ECO-SOLVE team, where my efforts are focused on disrupting illicit environmental trade in South Africa and globally. My research spans wildlife trafficking and the convergence of organised crime and environmental harm
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I am competent in my field of expertise I have refined my set of skills over numerous years, both skilfully and practically, and
received close-contact training and mentorship from seasoned experts like Professor Gerard Labuschagne and Advocate Johann Engelbrecht SC
My tertiary qualifications include:
- Masters Criminology Degree with Distinction (University of Pretoria) 2023
- Honours Psychology Degree (University of South Africa) (To be conferred)
- Honours Criminology Degree with Distinction (University of Pretoria) 2018
- Bachelors Degree Criminology & Psychology (University of Pretoria) 2017
professional membership
Criminological Society of Southern Africa (CRIMSA)
Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE)
South African Professional Society on the Abuse of Children (SAPSAC)
Professional Development
I have sharpened my skills with the following short courses:
- Threat Assessment and Management
Hosted by African Association of Threat Assessment Professionals and presented by Dr Bram van den Meer
- Threat Assessment and Management
Hosted by L&S Threat Management and presented by Professor Gerard Labuschagne
- Psycho-legal Courtwork and the Criminal Justice System
Hosted by L&S Threat Management and presented by Professor Gerard Labuschagne
- Medico-legal Workshop focused on report writing and the New Practice Directive
Hosted by Medico-legal Recoveries and presented by Dr Henk Swanepoel and Judge Francois Botes SC
- POPIA Awareness Training
Hosted by RMG Forensics and presented by Abel Pienaar
- Ethics and Governance in HR
Hosted by the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners
- Open-Source Intelligence
Presented by the Wildlife Justice Commission
I spent some time at LifeLine Pretoria where I received in-house training on Counselling Skills and Counselling Ethics, as well as advanced counselling on the following topics: Trauma, Rape, Suicide, Gender Based Violence, and Bereavement
I value networking and have gained great insight from the following events:
Hosted by the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners
Hosted by South African Police Services
Hosted by Criminological Society of Southern Africa
Hosted by Unisa
Hosted by RMG Forensics and presented by Dr Johann Conradie
Hosted by African Association of Threat Assessment Professionals
Hosted by African Association of Threat Assessment Professionals
Hosted by Asis International South Africa Chapter and presented by Craig Pedersen
Hosted by Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC)