The man who miraculously survived a ritual murder attack in July is now in hiding because he fears the ritual murderers can strike again. Mashudu Munzhelele (33) of Tshifudi-Munangwe, east of Thohoyandou, spoke to Mirror from his hiding place over the weekend.

Mashudu’s hitchhiking nearly turned into a nightmare when he was ambushed by three men in a white Toyota Corolla who tried to cut off his tongue in the bushes of Malavuwe village. An old lady was pouring snuff on the ground, while at the same time throwing bones, speaking to the spirits. A kick in the private parts of one of the would-be ritual murderers saved Mashudu’s life, and he ran to the local clinic for assistance. The suspected ritual murderers also ran for their lives and they are still at large.

Although police are investigating, no one has been arrested so far in connection with the incident. Mashudu spent five days in hospital, receiving treatment for the injury he sustained to his left hand, while at the same time undergoing counseling at the Donald Fraser Hospital Trauma Centre.

“I am afraid those cruel people can strike again because they have not been arrested. What makes me more worried is that they know me and they can ambush me at any time. I no longer feel free when moving in public places because they might finish me off.”

He said he decided to go into hiding because he feels that his life is no longer safe. “I become scared whenever I see any white Toyota Corolla on the road. Besides that, the scar on my left hand always reminds me of the horrible incident. This is a very unfortunate incident that I will never forget until I depart from this earth.”

He added that some people look at him with sympathy while others are even afraid to touch him. “Since the incident happened, I feel isolated because most of the community members are now afraid to come close to me. I have been reduced to an outcast, but I thank some of my family members who are giving me support from time to time.”

Despite the horrible incident, Mashudu says he is now focused and looking towards the future with courage. “I will now concentrate on reconstructing my life although the incident has changed my life for good,” he concluded.