The Lost Boys of Bird Island

The Lost Boys of Bird Island
Author Mark Minnie and Chris Steyn
Country South Africa
Language English
Subject Corruption in South Africa, Politics of South Africa, Magnus Malan, Paedophilia, Apartheid South Africa.
Genre Non-fiction
Published Cape Town
Publisher Tafelberg
Publication date
 5 August 2018
Pages 224
ISBN 9780624081449 (Paperback)

The Lost Boys of Bird Island (2018) is a non-fiction book by Mark Minnie, a former police detective and Chris Steyn, an investigative journalist, both from South Africa. The book is about alleged corruption within the last Apartheid government of South Africa and a paedophile network whose most notable members were alleged to be the apartheid era defence minister Magnus Malan and the minister of environmental affairs John Wiley.[1][2] The book is named after Bird Island, in Algoa Bay just off the coast of South Africa, where the ring apparently operated.[3]

Background and synopsis

The book investigates a paedophile network that allegedly included prominent members of the South African government and business community who took children to Bird Island where they were abused, and some possibly murdered. It details the level of their involvement in the paedophile ring, abuse of the children, alleged acts of murder to cover up the crimes, as well as corruption and abuse of state resources by the network's members.[4][3]

Reception

The book and its revelations were widely covered in the South African media upon its release in August 2018. Shortly after the book was published, co-author Mark Minnie was found dead in his home outside Port Elizabeth from an apparent suicide.[3][5] South African investigative journalist Jacques Pauw criticised the book's authors, especially Minnie, for the quality of the investigation and research supporting the allegations. Pauw also criticised Steyn for having a conflict of interest. Pauw stated that the poor quality of research into the subject matter of the books allegations has had a negative impact on the victims getting justice whilst also calling into question the reliability of the book.[6]

References

  1. ↑ "Tafelberg". www.tafelberg.com. Retrieved 2018-08-15.
  2. ↑ "Book brings home chilling tales of paedophilia at hands of ex-ministers". Retrieved 2018-08-15.
  3. 1 2 3 "OVERVIEW: Suicide note found on the scene of Mark Minnie's death - police". News24. Retrieved 2018-08-15.
  4. ↑ Minnie, Chris Steyn and Mark. "The Lost Boys of Bird Island: Secrets, lies and cover-ups". Daily Maverick. Retrieved 2018-08-15.
  5. ↑ McKaiser, Eusebius. "'The Lost Boys' speaks to us all". The M&G Online. Retrieved 2018-08-15.
  6. ↑ Pauw, Jacques (6 September 2018). "Mark Minnie: A sloppy, negligent and careless policeman". News24. Retrieved 2018-09-07.
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