The Luvhengo family in Muledane Block J extension 1 near Thohoyandou believe that they are free from a tokoloshe that has been troubling them.

This comes after a Zimbabwean faith healer, Mr Ivern Chiwaiwai, prayed for them last Thursday.

Ms Avhatakali Netselo, the head of the family, said her problem started 27 years ago, when her son, Thanyani Luvhengo, was born. They soon realised that there were problems with his legs and that he would not be able to walk. He also could not speak.

"One day in 1994, I had a dream that he was telling me that he could speak and walk." When she visited him the following day, she found that he was walking. "He was only able to walk for a few days, however, and then he became lame again,” she added. 

Last week, she met Chiwaiwai during a prayer meeting, and “while praying for the family, Chiwaiwai discovered that a tokoloshe was destabilising the family,” she added. Chiwaiwai told her that, due to the interference of the tokoloshe, Thanyani cannot walk or speak, while his elder brother, Ndivhuwo (31), is “mentally affected”. He also cannot get a job, even though he has an honours degree in music.

Chiwaiwai said the tokoloshe started affecting the family 15 years ago. Chiwaiwai discovered the tokoloshe in a mattress of the bed that was used by Netselo in her bedroom.

After the discovery, the tokoloshe was burnt to ashes, which caused the family great joy.