Honde Valley – Lilian Sango, a 50-year-old mother of three, is living in a state of perpetual terror in her newly built home in Gatsi, Honde Valley, as she claims to be tormented by unseen forces that attempt to dismantle her roof each night. The unsettling events have driven Mrs. Sango to seek the intervention of traditional healers (n’anga) and prophets in a desperate bid to restore peace to her household.
The nightmare, according to Mrs. Sango, began in January of this year, shortly after she moved into the property. “I bought this stand last year and built a house while I was living in Mutasa where I work. However, after moving in, I have not had any peace as I constantly hear noises as if the roof is being opened or broken, so I no longer know what to do,” she recounts, her voice laced with a mixture of fear and desperation.
The disturbances, she says, typically commence around 6 pm and persist until the early hours of the morning, depriving her of sleep and leaving her in a constant state of anxiety. “The noise usually starts around 6 pm and continues until dawn, making it difficult for her to sleep and causing her to live in constant fear,” she explained.
While some might suspect the involvement of mischievous neighbours, Mrs. Sango is convinced that the source of her troubles lies closer to home. “Some traditional healers I consulted say the problem is coming from my family, from my lineage, so it needs to be addressed,” she reveals, her body trembling as she recalls the terrifying experiences.
The weight of the situation is clearly taking its toll on Mrs. Sango. “I am burdened by what I am experiencing, and the house feels very heavy because every time I try to rest or sleep, the noise starts as if someone is watching me to make sure I don’t rest,” she laments, painting a picture of a home turned into a prison by unseen forces.
Despite the severity of the situation, Mrs. Sango has refrained from reporting the matter to Headman Kwesha, the local traditional leader. Her reluctance stems from her strong belief that the disturbances are orchestrated by members of her own family, making it a private matter rather than a community issue.
The Zimbabwe National Traditional Healers Association (Zinatha) has weighed in on Mrs. Sango’s plight, offering a potential explanation for the unsettling events. Mr. George Kandiero, the head of Zinatha, suggests that Mrs. Sango may be the victim of malevolent spirits sent by jealous individuals seeking to undermine her success.
“Even if she goes far away and builds a house, it will not be habitable until she is helped. She can be helped depending on who is helping her. At Zinatha, we can assist her,” Mr. Kandiero stated, offering a glimmer of hope to the beleaguered homeowner.
The case of Mrs. Sango highlights the enduring belief in the supernatural within many Zimbabwean communities, where traditional beliefs often intertwine with modern life. While sceptics may dismiss her claims as mere superstition, for Mrs. Sango, the terror is very real, and her search for a solution is a matter of utmost urgency.
Whether the answer lies in traditional remedies, spiritual intervention, or a more earthly explanation remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Mrs. Sango’s life has been irrevocably altered by the “invisible roof raiders” that haunt her Honde Valley home.
The caretaker of the property, Mrs. Sofia Gukuta Jakarasi (54), has been left in a state of perpetual unease, claiming that the voices of the dead haunt the house, demanding that their neglected graves be tended to.
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