One thing I’ve always loved about the paranormal community is how universal it is. Wherever you go in the world, people are having experiences, asking questions, and trying to understand the unseen. So this year, I wanted to expand Mystic Realm Blog by featuring investigators from across the planet, voices, perspectives, and stories that show just how diverse the paranormal field really is.
That’s how I came across Western Cape Paranormal in South Africa. I reached out to them hoping to shine a light on the paranormal scene far beyond the UK and US, and Pieter kindly agreed to share his insights, experiences, and some truly fascinating cases.
South Africa is a country layered with deep history, cultural complexity, colonial scars, sacred land, and abandoned sites that hold stories of their own. I knew before I even contacted Pieter that his experiences would be different; but I didn’t expect just how rich, grounded, and professional his approach would be.
Below is the full Q&A with Pieter Grobbelaar of Western Cape Paranormal, written exactly in his words.
1. Could you please introduce yourself and how you got started in paranormal investigation?
My name is Pieter Grobbelaar, and I’ve been involved in paranormal investigation for 13 years, although my work really gained momentum around 2018. My journey began as a personal curiosity, an attempt to understand unexplained experiences and environmental anomalies I encountered growing up. Over the years, what started as a private pursuit eventually evolved into a more structured investigative approach, combining research, fieldwork, and technology.
Today, I operate primarily in the Western Cape, South Africa, though I travel nationwide for significant cases and historic locations.
2. What inspired you to begin investigating the paranormal in South Africa?
South Africa is layered with history—colonial conflict, abandoned hospitals, mining towns, sacred sites, and tragic events. I realized early on that many of these stories were fading or being misunderstood. I was inspired to bring structure, professionalism, and respect to the field, helping people understand their experiences while preserving the narratives hidden within old buildings and forgotten landscapes.
My main motivation has always been truth-seeking, not sensationalism—documenting the unexplained while also debunking where necessary.
3. Can you walk us through one of your most memorable investigations?
One of my most memorable cases took place at a historic Cape Dutch homestead that had been experiencing persistent activity, footsteps, shadow figures, and unexplained cold spots.
We were investigating claims of:
• late-night footsteps on wooden floors
• a figure seen in the hallway
• sudden temperature drops in one specific room
During the investigation, we captured an audible female whisper through EVP, clearly responding to one of my questions. At the same moment, the temperature in the room dropped by nearly three degrees within seconds.
What made this so memorable wasn’t just the evidence, but the emotional weight inside the room, it felt as though the location wanted its story to be heard.
4. Have you collected any particularly compelling evidence?
Yes — two stand out:
1. A Class-A EVP
Captured in a stone-walled cellar. The voice was crisp, unmistakably human, and responded to a direct question with a full sentence. No one else was speaking at the time. The clarity and timing made it one of the strongest audio pieces I’ve recorded.
2. A shadow figure crossing a doorway
This was caught on video during a static-cam session. The figure had weight, blocked light, and moved deliberately, unlike dust, insects, or camera glitches. We spent hours trying to recreate it, but nothing matched the original footage.
These moments reinforced why I continue doing this work.
5. How do you choose your investigation sites and prepare for them?
Site Selection
• Historical significance
• Consistent patterns of activity
• Credible witness reports
• Architectural layout (large structures, tunnels, abandoned hospitals, etc.)
• Cultural or emotional impact
Preparation Includes:
• Historical research
• Interviewing witnesses
• Scouting locations for safety risks
• Checking EMF sources and baseline readings
• Preparing equipment (EVP recorders, full-spectrum cameras, motion sensors, SLS, environmental meters)
• Team briefing and assigning roles
Every investigation is treated with the same level of seriousness—whether private, public, or historical.
6. What are the biggest challenges during an investigation?
• Environmental: Old buildings, unstable floors, wildlife, electrical noise
• Logistical: Long overnight sessions, equipment failures, limited access
• Emotional: Traumatic histories can be heavy, especially former hospitals
• Skeptical pressure: Balancing open-minded exploration with scientific discipline while addressing public misconceptions
7. Do you have any tips for beginner investigators?
Absolutely:
• Safety first – never investigate alone
• Know your equipment; avoid unreliable apps
• Document everything – notes, audio, video, environmental data
• Stay objective – not every noise is paranormal
• Respect every location
• Be patient – 90% of investigating is waiting
8. How do you ensure evidence is handled responsibly?
I follow a strict approach:
• Baseline readings before any session
• Multiple device correlation for stronger credibility
• Eliminating natural causes first
• No exaggeration or emotional interpretation
• Peer review – other investigators examine raw evidence
• Privacy and ethical standards for private clients
9. What’s next for Western Cape Paranormal?
• Investigating new historical locations across South Africa
• Upgrading equipment – thermal cameras, multi-frequency EVP recorders
• Publishing case summaries for public education
• Hosting guided investigations
• Building a digital archive of evidence and research
• Possible documentary-style collaboration
10. Anything else readers should know or how they can follow your work?
I want readers to know that my work is grounded in respect, curiosity, and a desire for truth – not fear or sensationalism. South Africa has incredibly rich, complex paranormal landscapes, and I hope to help people understand them with clarity and professionalism.
You can follow my investigations, behind-the-scenes clips, and updates on:
Enquiries / Join the team: +27 60 939 7319 Email: westerncape.paranormal@gmail.com
Whether you’re a believer, a skeptic, or simply curious—I welcome anyone who approaches the field with respect and an open mind.
Final Thoughts
Featuring Western Cape Paranormal has been a brilliant reminder of why I wanted to take Mystic Realm Blog global. Every country has its own history, its own hauntings, its own stories and South Africa’s paranormal landscape is unlike anywhere else on earth.
Pieter’s professionalism, grounded approach, and commitment to truth over theatrics is exactly what the field needs more of. So If you’re a South African reader looking to connect locally or an investigator anywhere in the world wanting inspiration, I hope this interview gives you a glimpse into the fascinating work happening across the Western Cape.
Huge thank you to Pieter for sharing his time, his experiences, and his passion with us.
For more Exclusive interviews, see Exclusive Interviews
