From gangsters to corpses: the story of steroids

There are those who risk everything to muscle up. Some develop chests so big they struggle to breathe or have to sleep in nappies so they don't wet their beds. In 'Guns and Needles', Clinton van der Berg lays bare the seedy underbelly of sport, where shady characters and willing athletes are prepared to do whatever it takes to come out on top

06 February 2022 - 00:00 By Clinton van der Berg

In August 2017, two men broke into the well-secured Hohenort Avenue home of Brian Wainstein in Cape Town’s affluent Constantia suburb. They entered his bedroom and shot him several times. His wife and child, lying alongside, were untouched. His death brought to prominence the occasionally treacherous reality of the steroid world, described by rapper Kenny P as “f**king dangerous”...

There’s never been a more important time to support independent media.

From World War 1 to present-day cosmopolitan South Africa and beyond, the Sunday Times has been a pillar in covering the stories that matter to you.

For just R80 you can become a premium member (digital access) and support a publication that has played an important political and social role in South Africa for over a century of Sundays. You can cancel anytime.

Already subscribed? Sign in below.



Questions or problems? Email helpdesk@timeslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00.

Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.

Speech Bubbles

Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.