Baby 'warned' of disaster

2005-11-03 11:40

Riot Hlatshwayo

Giyani - A rural community is convinced that a newborn boy was immediately able to talk and warn of an ill omen before he and his mother died.

Some residents in Giyani and Bolobedu are now wearing strips of mielie bags around their arms and legs to protect themselves from the baby's prophecy.

"I'm not sure if it's true but people are wearing the rags to try prevent some disaster in the area," said Giyani resident Stella Xitsunge.

The baby is said to have been born at Nkhensani hospital on Monday and prophesied to shocked nurses.

Spokesperson for Limpopo's department of health and social development, Phuti Seloba, confirmed he'd seen people wearing the rags but dismissed the incident as a rumour.

Imaginations running wild

"I asked several schoolkids in Bolobedu why they were wearing the rags and they told me about the story but no such incident has been reported at any of our hospitals," said Seloba.

"I think people are letting their imaginations run wild and affect others," he added.

But another resident, Dumisani Ngobeni, believes the area has been witness to a miracle.

"I think this was a miracle and is as good as when our ancestors talk to us. If we don't listen they become very angry, causing disasters to happen," he said.

- African Eye