P'nP: Psychopath or criminal?
2003-07-01 11:55
Marenet Jordaan
Cape Town - The person trying to blackmail Pick 'n Pay by putting poisoned products on the retail chain's shelves could be a violent psychopath or an ordinary criminal trying to make some money.
Stellenbosch University psychopathology lecturer Dr Charl Nortje said on Monday the perpetrator probably took delight in being in a position of power.
"It's the same as someone creating a computer virus - he likes throwing his weight around and causing chaos.
Nortje said this type of person often bore a grudge against society because his own life held no meaning.
"People with an antisocial personality disorder - such as psychopaths - experience fewer feelings of guilt.
They seek more stimulation, which is why they want to break more rules. They also feel less threatened by danger."
Umesh Bawa of the University of the Western Cape's psychology department said the blackmailer might simply be an ordinary criminal trying to make money.
Bawa said the person probably knew his actions would sow fear and panic among consumers.
- Die Burger