Showmax's true-crime documentary 'Rosemary's Hitlist' makes history
The true-crime documentary based on former policewoman, Rosemary Ndlovu, has set the record for most first-day views on Showmax of any documentary series.
The story of Rosemary Ndlovu has taken South Africa by storm.
The former cop was found to be a serial killer, targeting close family members in order to claim from insurance companies.
Showmax released the 'Rosemary's Hitlist' documentary on 14 June 2023 and has been uploading a new episode every Wednesday.
On 5 July, Showmax announced that the doccie had made history on the streaming platform by obtaining the most first-day views on Showmax of any documentary series.
'After topping charts on both Showmax and Twitter, Rosemary’s Hitlist set a new record for the most first-day views on Showmax of any documentary series, ahead of true-crime phenomena like Devilsdorp and Steinheis,' Showmax wrote.
#RosemaryNdlovu has been trending on Twitter since the first episode aired and the finale also got tweeps talking. #RosemaryNdlovu continues to trend on Twitter, even on Thursday, 6 July.
READ: ‘Killer cop' Rosemary Ndlovu staring at life in prison
As a result of the success of the documentary, Showmax has announced that there will be a new podcast based on the true-crime doc.
'Showmax has now launched the trailer for a four-part official companion podcast, made in partnership with True Crime South Africa,' read a statement on the site.
The podcast will be hosted by the famous Nicole Engelbrecht and Mfundo Ndala.
It will also give “an indepth look into many of the themes and topics explored in the documentary.”
More on Rosemary Ndlovu's story
Ndlovu is a former policewoman who worked at Tembisa police station.
She made headlines in 2018 for plotting to murder six family members to collect insurance money.
In one of her insurance policies, she covered her cousin Witness Madala Homu as her spouse, so she could receive a higher payout. She also plotted the murder of her mother, siblings, cousins, and boyfriend, amongst many others.
It is also believed that Ndlovu murdered her own child.
In the video which went viral on social media, Ndlovu was recorded telling a hitman how to kill her biological sister Joyce and her children by burning them.
In November 2021, Ndlovu received six life sentences at the Palm Ridge Magistrate’s Court.
"The accused is cruel, hellish, bullish, and brazen. The accused was manipulative and always deceitful, tricking her victims into believing that she loves them and they always referred to her as auntie. Wost of all, once she seduced them she struck like a vulture. The expert has classified her as a serial killer which is a classification that I accept. And the accused demonstrated complete absence of remorse, this accused deserved to be removed from the society for a very, very long time,” said judge Ramarumo Monama.
READ: Rosemary Ndlovu convicted on six counts of murder
After her sentencing, she asked for forgiveness from those she has hurt, however, she maintained that she is innocent of the crimes despite overwhelming evidence.
"To all these families, I know they think that I am responsible, but that is not so, the truth is only known by God. However, be that as it may, I would like to ask them to forgive me," Ndlovu said at court.
"I have also made peace with the court's decision, and I accept it, I welcome the decision of the court. I am not angry with anyone or at anybody."
Social media reaction
She was going to kill 5 children. This woman is undiluted darkness. #RosemaryHitlist
— Anele Mdoda (@Anele) June 28, 2023
And all this went to gambling and hitmen …#9 lives lost , for what? 😭😭… a serial murder this one 🚮🚮🚮🚮#RosemaryHitlist pic.twitter.com/WaNoASbWTp
— mpho (@RasKelis) July 5, 2023
I've been saying "Yoh" all three episodes. This woman is pure evil😭🤞🏽 #RosemaryHitlist pic.twitter.com/FLErakkkXF
— Enhle👑💜 (@enhlethedreamer) June 29, 2023
#RosemaryHitlist she is evil and cruel.... She killed her own two children for merely R12k.... Jeso christ wa Nazareth pic.twitter.com/4at7Wbv1gr
— Tshepo Seleka (@seleka10_tshepo) July 5, 2023
A whole SAPS and Minsiter Bheki Cele should be taking notes from this man. He kept digging and going 🙌🙏🤝 #RosemaryHitlist pic.twitter.com/6jzcRWidlQ
— KoalaneMotaung♓ (@KoalaneMotaung) July 6, 2023
She wanted her sister killed just after giving birth and leave her 5 children motherless, so she can come back and kill them one by one like Brilliant... Rosemary is evil! She even wanted to kill her mother, who would take care of those kids if the sis was dead😭#RosemaryHitlist pic.twitter.com/6PRYOvJhDT
— His Beloved 🌟 (@tumi_Gee) June 29, 2023