5 Haunted Locations In Gauteng
As we all know, it is Spooktober. It is time to celebrate all things spooky.
People love feeling scared and a controlled level of fear is healthy for the human psyche. Feeling scared releases dopamine in the brain. Dopamine is known as the “feel-good” hormone. This hormone allows you to feel motivation, pleasure and satisfaction.
In October we all feel adventurous and the need to explore haunted locations or to expose ourselves to fear.
Here are five haunted locations to visit (please note that all of these locations should be entered at own risk and are located in Gauteng):
1. Erasmus Castle (Die Spookhuis)
It is situated on a hill that overlooks the entire area of the Erasmuskloof suburb in Pretoria.
Local residents have often reported ghost sightings and hearing disturbing moans at night at this Victorian-style Mansion.
Supernatural encounters have been reported in and around the residence.
The mansion was originally owned by George Dean Erasmus, who allegedly makes an appearance from time to time.
Although the grounds are privately owned by Armscor, cultural gatherings and public tours at the premises can be arranged.
2. Kempton Park Hospital
Situated (as the name states) in Kempton Park.
Seeing a building lost in time is surely a way to evoke a mixture of emotions. Be it nostalgia or a sense of whimsy, Kempton Park Hospital surely stirs up these emotions.
There is very little information available on the Kempton Park Hospital. All equipment and files were left and all staff had left in 1997. Not much had been done to the hospital since its closing, which leaves us to wonder what exactly happened here. There are many theories and speculations as to why the hospital suddenly closed its doors.
There are multiple security guards on the premises 24/7. These guards are rumoured to be bribe-able. So if you would like to give this location a visit, you could potentially get in with little effort.
The hospital is allegedly haunted by numerous ghosts, from doctors to patients. Many paranormal investigators have visited the site and made a few discoveries, from EVP (electronic voice phenomenon), photographs of “spirit orbs”, hearing voices and footsteps, seeing shadow figures, an “uneasy” feeling etc.
3. St Catherine’s School
Situated in Germiston in the Parkhill Gardens suburb.
Home to the ghost fondly-named “Patrick”.
The first reported sighting of Patrick took place in 1972, when a custodian cleaning the school’s halls after hours was allegedly chased into the quad by a grey apparition with “glowing red eyes”. A wave of sightings followed after 1972 of a “grey hooded figure”. This figure is often accompanied by a “wailing sound”. “Patrick”, is said to haunt the chapel, school halls, a number of classrooms (eastern wing) and the basement.
In 1977 the sightings lessened, although stories of these paranormal encounters at the school are still present.
4. Die Ou Raadsaal
Located on the South side of Church Square in Pretoria Central.
The parliament building of Paul Kruger. It is gorgeous on the inside, and has an alleged glowing orb that moves around in the main chamber.
This building also has ties to the Kruger millions. While you are out and about ghost hunting, you may make some interesting discoveries.
5. Kensington Cave
The Cave is situated on Juno Street in Kensington, Johannesburg.
A cave in Kensington where the infamous Foster Gang took refuge. The cave was surrounded by police officers and the members hiding in the cave then committed suicide.
The Foster Gang committed various acts of robbery and murder around Johannesburg and the Rand area in 1914.
There are reports from residents who reside close to the cave of strange inexplicable happenings.
Centurion Community Site is a site the provides information and useful tools to individuals and businesses that are based in and around Centurion.
