Nthabisang Moreosele
Nthabisang Moreosele
Mama Angel made an unusual gift to help with the burial of a Zimbabwean inyanga who died penniless.
It is alleged that he was swindled by the people who held his money in trust for him.
Canaan Zhou, 52, came to South Africa from Zimbabwe to treat patients who were experiencing a bout of bad luck.
He was well known in the Diepkloof area of Soweto where he lived for some months. Zhou had a persistent chest ailment and the last family he healed chased him away. He was taken to traditional healer Angel Khumalo-Marumo's home where he died after a few days.
"He had a chest problem and spoke continuously to unseen people the whole night.
"His son Gizani was with him when he died. He claimed that his family was wealthy and they would sell cattle to pay for his father's repatriation.
"I gave Gizani money to go home and sort out what needed to be done. He took all his father's belongings and never came back," MaKhumalo said.
MaKhumalo said the rest of the family in Zimbabwe scoffed at the idea of vast wealth. She appealed through Sowetan for Zhou's daughter to get in touch with her.
Zhou was only buried three weeks later after Sowetan undertook to pay his funeral expenses. Mama Angel paid R4820 to Phomolong-Phiri undertakers owned by Mduduzi Hlomuka.
Hlomuka, the undertaker, donated food.
"I had to bury him because he is related to my mother's family, the Khumalos. I bought him a new traditional healer's uniform because his son took his original one back to Zimbabwe."
MaKhumalo says her neighbours were helpful and supportive during the mourning period.
"I thank Sowetan for the help they gave me to bury this great inyanga. I hope that you will continue to look after our people," MaKhumalo said.