Published: 2013 August 02 06:14:17 (6144 Views)

Burglars in South Africa pay up to R4 000 (US$400) for umsila we mpisi, which is a hyena's tail mixed with salt and soil from a grave.

The ingredients are mashed into a powder and the robbers burn it at the door of a house they intend to break into.

They believe that within minutes of inhaling the smoke, people fall into a deep sleep, giving thieves a chance to take all their belongings.

Some people say: "Robbers can even take the bed you're sleeping on and leave you on the floor."

But the cocktail didn't work for thief Lukhanyo Mafani (26).

He was caught in KTC in Khayelitsha, Cape Town on Tuesday night and beaten to death by residents who said they were sick and tired of thugs stealing their belongings.

The owner of the house, Lundi Jobela (29), said he woke up to find his door wide open.

He told Daily Sun: "I saw a man in my sitting room. I fought with him and overpowered him. I called people who came in large numbers and beat him until he confessed that he used muthi to make people sleep so he could steal from them."

Traditional healer Makhoza Diwu said: "The thug and his friend stole a DVD player, amplifiers, a Sony play station, a jewellery box and a phone. The evil sangomas who make muthi for thieves are selfish and greedy -  they must be banned from working."

- Dailysun

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