Goblins go after teachers

TEACHERS from Masincedisane Vocational Training Centre in Singongombe area in Nkayi under Chief, Sikobokobo, last week threatened to desert their place of work in fear of suspected goblins that were giving them a hard time.

A source in the Matabeleland North province said suspected goblins forced teachers to seek refuge at nearby homesteads, until the goblins were exorcised by a tsikamutanda (witch hunter).

Acting principal at the institution, Andile Mlambo, claimed male teachers were terrorised at night as they would hear strange sounds outside and weird movement of creatures on top of roofs. Mlambo said female teachers were sexually attacked at night.

He said teachers were finding it impossible to put up with the unbearable situation.

"We failed to sleep as we heard funny sounds at night. Some sounds were of things moving on top of the roof making it impossible for us to sleep. To make matters worse female teachers were sexually attacked during the night," he said.

A female teacher who requested anonymity for fear of reprisals confirmed the story which has become the talking point in the district.

"I could feel a thing like a creature c*ressing me," she said.

In a bid to get rid of the troublesome creatures the village head Mandla Tshuma, said they had to seek the services of a tsikamutanda to ensure the vocational training centre did not lose teachers.

"They were even threatening to leave the school and as villagers we had to run around to see how we can help them. We sought for the services of a tsikamutanda who conducted a thorough cleansing and after that the problem seemed to have been solved. I have not heard any problem from the school authorities since that time."