A desperate mother from Kalfa suburb in Norton is pleading for help for her two children, who are suffering from a baffling and terrifying witchcraft-related illness. Revai Ngirazi Bota (46) describes symptoms so unusual and distressing that they have left her family shattered and her neighbours fearful.
The situation has become so dire that her husband, Abel Bota (58), abandoned the family four months ago, leaving her to deal with the crisis alone.
The children’s symptoms are deeply disturbing. Her 12-year-old son exhibits behaviour that defies explanation. “My son digs into the hard ground with his bare hands like an ant bear or aardvark (sambani) or wild pig, seemingly without injury,” Mrs Bota explains.
“He also bites his own legs, eats the flesh, and chews his own tongue. He claims to be attacked by unseen beings, often screaming and destroying household items during these episodes,” she said.
This behaviour has tragically interrupted his education, leaving him unable to continue beyond Grade 4.
Mrs Bota’s 15-year-old daughter suffers equally alarming symptoms. “Her face changes, appearing almost animalistic. She also reports a heavy feeling on her face, as if carrying an unseen weight,” Mrs Bota says.
This distressing transformation has resulted in relentless bullying at school, making her hesitant to return after completing Grade 7. The prospect of starting Form 1 next year fills her mother with anxiety, not only because of her daughter’s fear but also because of the family’s dire financial situation.
The family’s ordeal extends beyond the children’s suffering. Mrs Bota herself is haunted by nightmares of a large snake coiled around her legs, a recurring vision that leaves her feeling the snake’s presence in her home even after waking. The unusual nature of the children’s illnesses has instilled fear in their neighbours, creating a sense of isolation for the family.
The family’s financial situation is precarious. They live in a rented house, paying US$45 per month, a significant burden for Mrs Bota who is now unable to work due to the constant care her children require.
She used to sell goods to support her family, but this is no longer possible. The weight of her responsibilities is immense, compounded by the absence of her husband, who fled four months ago, overwhelmed by the stress and financial strain. Attempts by the news crew to contact Mr Bota were unsuccessful.
In her desperation, Mrs Bota has sought help from numerous sources. She estimates that she has visited approximately 31 prophets and traditional healers, spending considerable sums of money in her quest for a cure. Despite these efforts, the children’s condition remains unchanged.
She has also taken her children to hospital on several occasions, but medical professionals have been unable to diagnose any physical ailment. She notes a poignant detail: her husband’s first wife suffered a mental breakdown before her death, a fact that adds another layer of complexity and concern to this already tragic situation.
The family’s plight highlights a desperate need for assistance. They often lack even basic necessities, relying on the kindness of neighbours for food and other essentials. The financial burden of rent, school fees, and the ongoing search for a cure is insurmountable for Mrs Bota. She is now openly appealing to anyone who can offer help, whether it be financial support, medical expertise, or simply a listening ear.
The ongoing mystery of her children’s illness leaves the nation wondering what lies behind this extraordinary case. Mrs Bota can be contacted on 0779 868 119 for those wishing to offer assistance.
