ANGELINA Malwane used to love watching Generations: The Legacy!
Then they introduced the mamlambo character – an evil albino python snake that is used to enrich the family.
From then on, Angelina switched off. “It brought back bad memories,” she said.
Angelina (46), a sangoma from Phakama near Naas in Mpumalanga, said she had been chased out of her village and almost set on fire by residents who accused her of owning a mamlambo.
“They accused me of feeding it soft porridge and sending it to terrorise them. They claim I used it to enrich clients visiting at night. I had to flee, as they wanted to set me alight. Some still threaten me, saying that my days are numbered!”
Just before she was chased out of her home, residents brought her a very sick man and demanded she stretch out his arm so it would heal.
“It is believed if a witch has cast a spell on you they can remove it by stretching out your arm. I was terrified and did as they demanded, but still he did not get better.”
Angelina said she reported her attackers to the local induna, who summoned them to his traditional court. The residents denied spreading any rumours but were found guilty and were ordered to compensate Angelina.
She said: “If I really possessed such a magical snake, would I not have already used it to enrich myself? Why would I be living in poverty if I could live in Sandton?”
Induna Philmon Silinda (65) said that those who had insulted Angelina had been dealt with. “We are still hunting for those threatening to burn her alive,” he said.