Looking for Ghosts in South Africa?

Hey there! Whether you’re a believer or not, I’ve got some thrilling ghost stories from South Africa. Get ready for a spine-tingling adventure!

Ghosts in Cape Town

Let’s start with the Cape Argus building. Legend has it that during storms, the spirit of Wilberforce, a pirate who met an unfortunate end, roams the halls. Is it the wind that rattles the windows, or is it Wilberforce himself? The ghost even left behind a chilling poem once!

Next up is Groot Constantia. Have you heard of Simon van der Stel? He was quite the green thumb, planting countless vines and oak trees. But here’s the eerie part: after he grew old, Simon liked to take a dip in the ornamental pool near his grand manor house. Some folks claim they’ve spotted his ghost strolling through the oak trees, heading toward his favorite swimming spot. Spooky, huh?

Rust-en-Vreugd

Let me tell you about Rust-en-Vreugd, a really old house in the Buitenkant neighborhood. They say it’s the most haunted house in the whole city! People have seen strange things there, like ghostly figures and creepy footsteps. Can you imagine? Some have even seen a woman floating down the stairs and another one staring out the window. Spooky, right?

Tokai Manor

Now, let’s talk about Tokai Manor. Something really tragic happened there. You see, a guy named Frederick Eksteen thought it would be cool to ride his horse inside the house during a New Year’s party. But things went terribly wrong. When the clock struck midnight, the slave bell rang, scaring the horse and causing them both to fall down the stairs and die. Sad, isn’t it? Well, now they say that whenever the slave bell rings or it’s midnight on New Year’s Eve, you can see the ghosts of Frederick and his horse riding through the house. Woah!

Prepare to be spooked as I take you on a tour of some of South Africa’s most haunted locations. First up is the eerie Green Point Lighthouse. This red and white candy-striped beacon has been standing since 1824 and rumor has it that it’s haunted by a one-legged lighthouse-keeper named “Daddy” West.

Next, we have the formidable Castle of Good Hope. Not only is it the oldest building still in use in South Africa, but it’s also the most haunted. Prepare yourself for encounters with the supernatural as you explore this historic site. Some of the ghosts you might come across include an angry Pieter Gijsbert Noodt, who roams the castle grounds, and Lady Anne Barnard, who prefers haunting the ballroom. Look out for the ghost soldier who unexpectedly rings the bell, and keep an eye out for a mysterious large black dog that has been spotted in the passageways.

The Hauntings of Durban

The Old Fort:
Welcome to The Old Fort, a historic building nestled in picturesque gardens. This used to be the headquarters of the renowned Durban Light Infantry. Legend has it that the spirit of Brigadier General G Molyneux wanders these gardens, which were dedicated in his honor. As for the Warrior’s Gate building, it is said to be inhabited by the mischievous ghost of a soldier. This spirited specter has a habit of rearranging furniture and displays to keep things interesting.

53 Hospital Road:
It’s a common sight in many port cities – the red light district. Point Road in Durban is no exception, and it has quite the reputation for its nighttime activities. Back in the 1940s, there was a colorful character named Rosie Dry who made a name for herself as a madam. She ran a series of brothels and secret bars. Her offices were situated on the corner of Hospital and Point Road and are said to be haunted. Legend has it that Rosie’s building is home to the ghost of a soldier she allegedly killed in 1944. Some claim that she disposed of his body by wheeling it in a barrow to a nearby dance floor.

Johannesburg ghosts:

Welcome to “The View” and “Aurora” – two haunted mansions with chilling stories.

The Parktown Ridge mansion, once owned by Sir Thomas and Lady Annie Cullinan, is shrouded in mystery. Legend has it that Lady Annie’s spirit still roams the grand staircase, dressed in a beautiful gown. On the first floor, the echoes of phantom footsteps can be heard, even though the staircase itself no longer exists.

Meanwhile, the Central Avenue mansion in Houghton is home to the ghost of a young girl known as Bubbles Schroeder. According to local lore, Bubbles was a socialite who met a tragic end in 1949, when she was found lifeless near the Wanderers Sports Club. Her murder remains unsolved, and her restless spirit is said to wander the halls of the mansion, emitting spine-chilling howls.

Let me tell you the story of the rocky knoll in Soweto.

It happened on 16 June 1976. I remember that day as if it were yesterday. We, the school children, gathered in the school grounds, singing the powerful hymn Nkosi Sikelel’ iAfrica. Our voices filled the air with hope and determination. We were about to embark on a protest march against the use of Afrikaans in our schools. Little did we know the tragedy that awaited us at Orlando Stadium.

As we marched, our spirits high, the police struck back with unspeakable violence. Their actions were brutal, unimaginable. And in the chaos and madness, two lives were taken away from us forever. One was Hastings Ndlovu, whom I had known since primary school. The other was a schoolboy named Hector Peterson. I remember seeing Hector’s clenched fist raised bravely in the air, a symbol of resistance and defiance. He became a martyr, a symbol of the Soweto Uprising.

But the story doesn’t end there. Some say that the spirit of young Hector Peterson still lingers around the rocky knoll in Soweto. They say that after the sun sets and darkness blankets the land, you can catch a glimpse of a schoolboy with his fists raised in the Black Power salute. A chill runs down your spine as you hear the faint echoes of the gunfire that once pierced the silence of that fateful day.

In South Africa, there’s a renowned murder case involving a woman named Daisy de Melker. She stands out as one of the country’s most notorious criminals, accused of using arsenic to kill not just one, but two of her husbands, as well as her own son. The tragic tale took a chilling turn when she was found guilty of poisoning her son’s food and drink, leading to his untimely death. As a result, she was sentenced to be hanged by the neck until dead in 1932. Since then, people have speculated about the lingering presence of Daisy de Melker’s spirit, claiming she haunts the various locations associated with her crimes. One such place is Court 3 of the Supreme Court, where she received her sentence. It’s said that her ghost still lingers there to this day.

The Ghosts of Kimberley

Welcome to Rudd House!Have you heard of Charles Dunell Rudd? He was a daring adventurer who couldn’t resist the allure of the mining town. In fact, he became the main money man for the De Beers Mining Company. Now, let me tell you about my experience at his house. The moment I stepped onto the verandah of the red and white Rudd House, I felt a wave of unease. It’s not just the deep shade that gives it an eerie vibe, but also the unsettling trophies displayed on the walls. They seemed to be watching me, their glass eyes gleaming with a mysterious presence. And that’s not all. I couldn’t help but be spooked by the sounds of breaking glass, as if an invisible force was wreaking havoc. The clatter of cutlery and smashing crockery made me jump as I tiptoed through the house. But the strangest occurrence was the faint cry of a baby, as if it was coming from the nursery. It sent shivers down my spine, but I couldn’t help but be enthralled by the enigma of Rudd House.

Welcome to the Africaner Museum!Once upon a time, this place used to be the Kimberley Public Library. But now, it’s known as the Africaner Museum, and let me tell you, it’s got its fair share of ghostly tales. Legend has it that the first qualified librarian of Kimberley, Bertram Dyer, still roams these halls. But don’t worry, he’s not here to give you a tour. Instead, he likes to have some fun with the books, rearranging them into mysterious patterns. You might also hear the distinct sound of pacing, as if someone is walking between the shelves. The Africaner Museum is an intriguing place, filled with history and ghostly encounters that will leave you wondering if you’ve truly seen a glimpse into the spirit world.

Welcome to the McGregor Museum!
Originally built as the Kimberley Sanatorium in 1897, this place served as a haven for people with chest ailments. Later on, it was transformed into a convent for the Sisters of the Holy Family in 1933. Although the convent closed in 1969, a spectral nun still roams the administration section, elegantly drifting through the corridors in her flowing white habit.

Step into the Haunted Port Elizabeth

Explore the South End Cemetery
The Great Gale of 31 August 1902 wreaked havoc, causing 21 boats to sink or be blown onto North End Beach. Tragically, this disaster claimed the lives of 41 crew members and rescuers, who were laid to rest in the South End Cemetery. Legend has it that the spirits of some of these brave souls continue to wander through the graveyard, their ethereal presence echoing through the silent night.

Welcome to the Port Elizabeth Public Library!

Wow, let me tell you about this incredible place. This building is absolutely stunning, with these amazing Elizabethan touches that make it so special. But you know what’s even more fascinating? The fact that it’s home to not just one, but two ghostly inhabitants. Can you believe that? I couldn’t believe it either when I first heard about it, but it’s true!

The first ghost is believed to be Police Constable Maxwell. Now, here’s the thing – Constable Maxwell doesn’t seem too happy about something. You see, when this magnificent building was being constructed, they actually moved his memorial stone. And let me tell you, he’s not impressed. Not one bit. Now, I can’t say I blame him. Imagine having your memorial stone moved without your consent!

But that’s just the beginning. The second ghost is none other than Robert Thomas, the caretaker of this very library. You can tell that Robert was really attached to this place and the books it holds. His spirit is said to wander around, opening and closing doors, and even removing books from the shelves. And you know what’s really interesting? Instead of making a mess, he actually stacks the books neatly in piles. Can you imagine the patience and attention to detail it takes to do something like that? It’s truly remarkable.

So, if you’re in town and looking for a spine-tingling experience, the Port Elizabeth Public Library is definitely the place for you. You might just catch a glimpse of Constable Maxwell or see the mysterious hand of Robert Thomas rearranging the books. It’s an adventure you won’t forget!

Welcome to Richly House, a historical marvel!
Back in 1906, a row of terraced houses was built, and they have quite a fascinating past. Over the years, Richly House has experienced a variety of uses, including being a nursing and maternity home, a brothel, and a boarding house. But that’s not all – it’s also home to a few resident ghosts! Visitors have reported sightings of a nun wandering the halls, a woman and child dressed in period attire strolling through the passageways, and even an irate former resident who likes to make her presence known by stomping through the dining room and creating a ruckus in the kitchen.

Prepare yourself for Pretoria’s haunted past!

As you step into The National Zoological Gardens in Pretoria, keep your eyes peeled for some spectral surprises. This place used to be the old State Museum, once a military hospital with a chilling history. It is said that at night, you can hear the groans and shrieks of soldiers who met their unfortunate end on this very spot. And that’s not all – two angry ghosts have been known to haunt the corridors. Brave souls have even claimed to come face to face with the ghostly figure of a woman dressed in a nurse’s uniform, wielding a sharp scalpel. So, if you’re feeling adventurous, pay a visit and see if you can spot any otherworldly inhabitants!

Welcome to the Sammy Marks Museum!
This historic building was originally called Zwartkoppies Hall, but it’s better known today as the Sammy Marks Museum. Sammy Marks was an adventurous man who made his fortune during the Barbeton gold rush. It’s said that even in the afterlife, Sammy never really left his beloved home. Visitors and staff have reported feeling a chilly presence inside the house, and there have been mysterious instances of doors opening and closing all by themselves. Some people have even claimed to hear the sound of a baby crying in what used to be the nursery. Could it be the ghost of one of the Marks children, who tragically passed away in 1890?

Discover the Haunting of Erasmus Castle!
Step into the past at Erasmus Castle, a National Monument with a spooky reputation. Legend has it that the castle is haunted by the ghostly presence of the original owners, the Erasmus family. Brave staff members have reported hearing unexplained footsteps echoing through the hallways and witnessing taps mysteriously turning on and lights flickering off. The most chilling encounters involve the spirits of two or three Erasmus children, who suffered from leprosy and were kept confined in a room beneath the main tower until their untimely death. These ghostly apparitions are said to wander the castle’s staircases and corridors, forever trapped within its walls.

Source

Okay, guys, I’ve got some seriously cool stories for you today. Get ready to have your minds blown! These tales are straight out of the book Ghosts of South Africa by Pat Hopkins. My mom gave it to me as a Christmas present ages ago, and let me tell you, it’s been a wild ride exploring all the spooky happenings in there.

First off, big thanks to Pat Hopkins for doing all the legwork and uncovering these haunted spots. Seriously, this guy saved me from having to go on a ghost-hunting expedition myself. Although, I did summon up some bravery and checked out the Lord Milner Hotel in Matjiesfontein. Let me tell you, things got pretty intense there. I might have even had a run-in with Olive Schreiner – yeah, you’ll have to read about my adventures on the website to find out more about that one!