WHEN Tumelo Masha became depressed, his family thought it was because he’d dropped out of university.
The 27-year old from Danville, Tshwane lost his bag along with his clothes, certificates and ID in April. Weeks after that, his family says, Tumelo began to behave strangely and he has not been well since. They think an evil person bewitched him.
According to his uncle, Elijah Malekane (52), Tumelo said he lost his bag on his way back home from Tembisa.
“He left his bag at a shop, but when he went to collect it the workers refused to give it back.” Elijah said Tumelo “lost his mind” a few weeks after that.
“He said things that did not make sense. When the weather was cold he would put on just his pants and stand outside.”
Tumelo used to have a bright future, Elijah said.“He studied engineering at Wits University but dropped out two years ago because of finances. He wanted to go back, but now it is impossible.”
Tumelo said he would be better off dead: “People make fun of me. I face rejection. All I do is drink alcohol and sleep.”
After turning to prophets, sangomas and depression pills with no success, the family are pleading for help from
SunReaders, as they fear he may be bewitched.
Sangoma Sibongile Maluleka said he is cursed: “His things were stolen to make him unhappy. A strong sangoma can help.” The SunTeam asked an NGO dealing with depression to help. If you have any ideas, please call Daily Sun on 012 485 9213.
