TOKOLOSH
A semi-human black creature who is supposed to live in rivers and other water courses. The tokolosh is believed to be cruel and revengeful and is sometimes called upon by people to cause trouble for others; a witch doctor may be needed to banish him. Most of the time only children can see the tokolosh; and in contrast to its behaviour with adults it shows kindness towards them and it is not unusual for a friendship to develop.
The tokolosh myth is of uncertain origin but well known and feared in most southern African countries. Many people lift their beds high off the ground so that the tokolosh cannot reach them. Some people are afraid to mention its name. The tokolosh can also become invisible and when it vigorously haunts a person or a site there is a strong similarity in many of its actions to that of the European poltergeist.
Text from The Element Encyclopedia of Ghosts & Hauntings by Theresa Cheung (HarperElement, 2013)












