It started with a beetroot bottle that mysteriously flew out of the fridge and smashed the windowpane. Then, the very same fridge flew and came to rest in the field, just outside the house. Furthermore, the windowpanes were smashed by an invisible entity while the family was watching helplessly.

While they were still confused, a mysterious fire from nowhere started burning a wardrobe, destroying clothes and other valuables. More confusion was added to the family when the door keys just disappeared from the door while they were watching. One shoe of a family member also disappeared when she was putting it on and the cell phone of an old lady, which was on the table, just disappeared, leaving the cover behind. A broom and a beaker also flew from the house and were found in a mango tree.

This was the mysterious experience of the Phidza family of Lwamondo – Vhungwili who have been terrorized by invisible forces since last week. The visibly exhausted and shocked old lady, Onika Phidza (87), who stays with her two grandchildren, says she hasn’t slept since the incidents started.

It is not the first time the Phidza family has experienced things of this nature. Some few years back, flowerpots and chairs flew like missiles from the house, breaking windows and damaging the family property.

Mrs Phidza said she thought everything was over, but she was surprised when the mystery hit her family again. The visibly shocked Onika explains about her latest experience: "I just came from church last Sunday when suddenly, I saw a beetroot bottle flying out of the fridge through the window, smashing the windowpane. I was shocked and did not know what to do next. Apart from the fire that damaged the clothes, I witnessed some other shocking incidents like the flying beaker and broom, the disappearing keys and the cell phone that only left the case on the table."

She maintains that she will never move out of the house. "I believe this is done by evil people who do not want me to enjoy life. I would rather die here inside the house than move out."

Since the incidents have befell the family, many people have already expressed their condolences, including members of different churches who conduct church services there.

Famous traditional healer Dr Mmbulaheni Neluvhola appeals to whoever might be causing these things to withdraw them. "This is done by jealous people who do not want this family to enjoy life. We will do everything to make sure that the family leads a normal life again."

Captain Mashudu Malelo of the regional SAPS communication services said he was aware of the incident but the family did not register any case with the police.

Community members who would like to assist the family can call family representative Vhangani Phidza at 072 238 9801.