Haunting history

History is boring, right? But, if you throw in a scary story (or two) about inexplicable, and often supernatural, experiences, it can become very interesting.

History and ghosts go hand in hand, and everyone of us has – at one point or another – been part of a conversation about a very old building, place or area being haunted, as well as all the different theories as to why that should be.

We will be starting a new series of articles tackling the history of some of the oldest buildings in Roodepoort and the surrounding areas. But, we will not only be looking at their history, we will also try to find out if there might be some ghosts still hovering.

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Our first article, which will appear just before the end of April, will be looking at our very own Caxton building and its haunting presence.

When I started at the Record, I was very quickly informed of the building’s resident lady ghost. I could hardly contain my shock (and maybe some disbelief?) as I listened to my colleagues and editor recalling their encounters while being at the office after hours. (I have not had the privilege of meeting her yet, thank goodness!)

“I have heard her high heels coming up the stairs, down the hallway and stopping at the kitchen on numerous occasions. She also loves to fiddle with my radio by either turning the volume up or down, or changing the station. The telephones will also start ringing, and when you answer there will be no-one on the other end,” my editor, Roelien Vorster, told me.

“Yes, I have also experienced that, but that is not all. One night some of us were working late. While we were talking, we heard a woman coughing near the kitchen, but we knew we were the only ones in the office. I was very brave and said I would go have a look, but did not see anyone. However, I did experience a very cold sensation all over my body,” said my fellow journalist, Riaan van Zyl.

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The stories about the resident ghost are numerous – ranging from believable to outright ludicrous. It is said that the building was once a butchery and the butcher murdered his wife, others say it was suicide. But, will we ever know?

Keep an eye out for our next article, and in the mean time, if you know of an old building in our area notorious for its otherworldly guests, feel free to send us an email with the details to roelienv@caxton.co.za. Please include your contact details in order for us to call you back to hear your story.

Do you perhaps have more information pertaining to this story? Email us at roodepoortrecord@caxton.co.za (remember to include your contact details) or phone us on 011 955 1130.

For free daily local news on the West Rand, also visit our sister newspaper websites Randfontein Herald, Krugersdorp News and Get It Joburg West Magazine

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