Goblins causing mysterious deaths and marital problems

A family living in Overspill, Epworth, says it has been living in constant fear after being tormented by what they describe as goblins - which they claim are sexually abusing their daughters and daughters-in-law, beating family members, and causing unexplained deaths.

The Nota family, originally from Malawi, alleges that the mysterious occurrences began after the deaths of their parents, Sekuru Fraction Nota, who passed away in 2000, and his wife, Mbuya Menalla Pangeti Nota, who died in 2019.

Speaking to reporters, family member Mai Agnes Nota (54) said the family had twelve siblings but only seven remain alive.

"We were twelve in total, but now only seven of us are left. People in our family die suddenly, as if we are ants being swept away. Some fall sick briefly and die soon after. Since 2019, six family members have died in the same period of the year," said Mai Agnes.

She said the strange pattern of deaths has caused growing fear among relatives, especially since the deceased include both men and women, and even their in-laws and children.

"Our parents left behind 52 grandchildren, but we fear they could all perish because of these strange deaths. Our daughters are being divorced or widowed frequently, while the sons are also being abandoned by their wives. People say our family is cursed, that we have goblins," she added.

Mai Agnes also claimed that the family had witnessed disturbing rituals at their father's grave.

"Three weeks ago, we found a pot placed on top of our father's grave, with a knife inside and pieces of cloth of different colours. We don't know who put it there. We believe it has something to do with our suffering," she said.

Her brother, VaFriday Nota (55), confirmed the strange happenings, saying no one in the family was financially stable as "goblins beat them and ruin their lives."

"When our father was buried, someone threw old copper coins on the grave. Since then, no one in the family has been able to prosper. We are beaten by invisible beings, our marriages collapse, and our people die mysteriously," he said.

VaFriday added that the family has no close relatives in Zimbabwe as their late parents migrated from Boma District in Malawi.

"We are now accused of witchcraft by some of our younger relatives, and we even fight among ourselves," he said.

Another sibling, Mai Loveness Nota (41), said she had been married five times but each marriage ended mysteriously, with three of her husbands dying.

"I have had five husbands - three died, and I separated from the other two. Men are now afraid to marry me. Many of our daughters are also widowed, and people say our homestead has goblins. We are beaten by invisible things, can't keep jobs, and get harassed sexually by unseen forces. We need help," she said.

The family further claims they experience frequent car accidents and other forms of misfortune whenever they travel.

Traditional leaders and church prophets in the area are reportedly aware of the family's plight, and the Notas are now appealing for spiritual or traditional intervention to end their suffering.

Efforts to obtain independent verification of the family's claims were unsuccessful at the time of going to publishing.