Avenging spirit claims 21st victim

DEATH has apparently become part of a family from Inyathi in Matabeleland North which reportedly lost 20 members in two years due to a mystical spirit which is known as uzimu.

This follows reports that last Tuesday the family lost another member, a pregnant daughter under unclear circumstances.

Bongani Nxumalo said the number of family members who have died in the past two years was now 21.

He said the family believed the mystical spirits also claimed the life of their pregnant daughter, Sithandazile Nxumalo (40) who was based in South Africa.

"My granddaughter, Thandi, said the deceased complained of a headache for one day and the next day they took her to hospital where she died. She said according to a post-mortem report the deceased died from an unknown ailment," he said.

Nxumalo added that some of his children had deserted him.

"My daughters and their children have deserted us. This dangerous animal seems to be on a mission to kill all my children."

The Nxumalo's family is appealing for prophets and sangomas to come to their rescue.

In a low tone, Nxumalo's wife, Gogo MaDube said her late daughter is survived by four children and her husband died last year, also in a mysterious manner.

"Right now we do not know who will take care of the children. Only God knows, we are just waiting not knowing when this evil thing will hit one of us. Just imagine I have lost 21 children and grand-children in total."

Nxumalo reiterated that according to a sangoma they will continue shedding tears. He said a sangoma claimed that Nxumalo's father killed a baby and the affected family was revenging through a spirit.