Abstract
In the beginning of my research, respondents told me that sorcerers use
ondofa, servant-beings that are typical of familiars recognized in reports
of sorcery from many cultures.1 Ondofa carry out the sorcerers’ orders,
helping to accumulate wealth and to punish enemies. Though experienced sorcerers are the most likely to use these beings, anyone can obtain
them and turn into a sorcerer. Some Zimbabweans expressed firm belief
in ondofa. A middle-aged woman said:
The influence of the media is apparent in this quote; mass media have
influenced the spread of modern sorcery globally (Behringer 2004:237).
The media are reinforcing the sorcery beliefs of many residents in the
township where I worked. Yet, my observations indicate that the media
are even more influential on the development of conspiracy beliefs.