Woman says she's followed by showers of stones A South African woman claims she's being plagued by a hail of stones that follow her wherever she stays. Miyi Shongi was kicked out of her own village by her family and neighbours three weeks ago and moved in with relatives 30km away. But the stone showers followed her there, says the News 24 website. The 58-year-old believes a Zimbabwean trader cast an evil spell on her, because she failed to pay for clothing she'd bought on credit from her. When the problem first began in the village of Lombani, the woman's family called police for help. Police spokesperson Ailwei Mushavhanamadi said: "We were there for nearly the whole night and saw stones falling from the sky like rain. We went around the area to make sure someone wasn't throwing stones on the roof on purpose, but we didn't find anyone." A spiritual healer told the woman she should consult a more powerful healer to break the spell. He also advised her to find the trader, apologise and pay for the clothes. Ananova: http://www.ananova.com/news/story/sm_1043805.html ------------------------------------------------- Witchcraft blamed as stones rain on family By Alfonce Mbizwo Last updated: Mon, 13 Sep 2004 21:09:23 GMT A FAMILY in Mandava high-density suburb in Zvishavane deserted its home after stones rained from the roof, literally. Police in Zvishavane confirmed the incident, which took place on Thursday night at the Swift Cottages. "It appears to be an issue involving witchcraft," said the Acting Officer Commanding Zvishavane District, Superintendent Raphael Mathe. "A report was made but we have sent officials to investigate the issue further because there was a letter which implicated some neighbours in matters of witchcraft," said Supt Mathe. Neighbours said the drama started on Thursday evening when a family, who rented a house in the Swift Cottages was preparing supper. The family's late father, Caseman Chigova made news in the 1990s for sleeping in a coffin, which he bought "to get a feel of his future home''. "Caseman's wife was away in South Africa, where she buys wares for resale here. "So there was just her sister, the maid and Caseman's son," said a neighbour, Mr Ladislous Kunota. Neighbours said at first, a letter dropped from the roof alleging that the authors were responsible for his (Caseman's) death and that they would be back for more. At that point, a large stone fell, apparently from the roof followed by another and yet another. Then a hail of stones fell into the room. The child and two women left the room and called for assistance from the neighbours. "I refused to open my door or accommodate the women but I later took in the young boy. He was so scared of going back to the house even to get some blankets. "The women went to another neighbour but she also refused to come out," said Mr Kunota, who rents a house adjacent to the dramafilled house. Eventually, another neighbour took them to the police where a report was made. According to Mr Kunota, neighbours continued to refuse to accommodate the two women despite pleas from the police. "It might sound strange but why would I want to take the risk of the same occurring in my home," he said. When Chronicle visited the family on Friday, the house was deserted. But the incident has left the community shocked and few people were willing to discuss the incident when asked. http://www.newzimbabwe.com/pages/incest11.11624.html ------------------------------------------------- FURTHER REFERENCES GO - "search perceptions" - in SEARCH-ENGINE file-ID www.perceptions.couk.com/falls8.txt