'Angel' claims he killed devil

2006-03-22 22:46

Zinkie Sithole

Nelspruit - "I have killed the devil. He is dead. I killed him on February 18 this year," says Seuntjie "Mortalman" Nhleko, who claims to be an angel.

The 22-year-old, who lives in Zwelisha outside Nelspruit, said on Wednesday: "People say I'm crazy, but I hear God's voice inside me that tells me that I have a special purpose."

He said he'd volunteered to undergo two psychological examinations at Tintswalo Hospital in Acornhoek and that doctors had given him the all-clear.

He couldn't provide any of the test results indicating that he was not mentally disturbed, however.

Nhleko said his rebirth as "Mortalman" took place on February 4 last year.

"While I was praying, I heard a voice that told me not to be afraid.

"It told me I would change forever and that all the people in the world were my children, including Jesus," he said.

Worried about his state of mind

He also claimed to be responsible for the rain that fell on the Lowveld on Monday.

"I made it rain to prove to my brother that I could make miracles happen," he said.

Eric, Nhleko's brother, was worried about his brother's state of mind.

"Yes, he told us he'd make it rain, but this is not something we can take seriously. If there is someone who can help us, please call us. Even I sometimes think he's crazy."

Nhleko's former girlfriend, Zanele Nkosi, is convinced he is mentally disturbed.

"He used to be normal up until last year," she said.

- African Eye