“The Most Honest Mamlambo”: Woman Pretends to Be a Mermaid, Tricks Security Guards, SA Entertained

• A woman successfully pranked security guards at a Cape Town beach at night by pretending to be a mermaid who had just emerged from the ocean
• The highly entertaining video was shared on TikTok and went viral, captivating thousands of amused social media users
• Viewers were entertained, with many joking that the security guards would be sharing their terrifying story on podcasts
• Briefly News spoke with Mkhulu Thobile, a traditional healer based in Cape Town, about the cultural and spiritual significance of water spirits following the viral 'mermai' prank

A young woman’s humorous prank captured social media’s attention, captivating viewers through her realistic performance.

The captivating clip, shared on TikTok by @unty.lesly1, gained massive views and comments from viewers who were amused and intrigued.

The video filmed at night on a Cape Town beach shows TikTok user @unty.lesly1 speaking to security guards and boldly claiming that she lived inside the water and had just come out. With a mischievous grin, she assured the men that she often emerges at night and asked if they had ever seen her. To cement her fantastical claim, she showed off her striking, blueish-grey contact lenses.

Read also

"Every woman deserves this": Video of Dubai housewife with generous husband impresses Mzansi

The hun convinces security guards she's a mermaid

The encounter became more intense when she assured the startled men that she did not kill people but could make them disappear. When she tried to touch one of the men, he immediately moved away in genuine fear. The humorous woman quickly promised she would not harm him if she liked him. She then warned him that since she had seen his face, she would just go underneath the water and show it to her "gang," who would then do whatever they wanted with him. She ended her performance by calling the man toward the water, telling him he might never see her again until his death.

A traditional healer speaks on water spirits

Briefly News spoke with Mkhulu Thobile to explore the cultural belief surrounding the mythical water creatures often called Mamlambo and how the TikTok video taps into fears and spiritual respect for the sea.

We asked the sangoma what the difference between a Western mermaid and the spiritual entity known as Mamlambo in South African culture was. He said:

Read also

"Call the SPCA unit": Man films a giant snake going into a pit, SA stunned

"A mermaid is a myth, a simple story. Mamlambo is a very powerful water spirit, an ancestral being who resides in rivers and the sea. She is not a joke; she is a spirit that can bring wealth or tragedy."

The team asked why images or stories of water spirits like Mamlambo instil deep, immediate fear in people like the security guards in the video. The man shared:

"That fear is respect. It comes from the knowledge that water is the home of the ancestors, and those places hold great spiritual power. When you see something unexpected come from the sea at night, the fear is genuine because you are facing the unknown."

When asked if there is any spiritual ritual that should be adopted before people enter the sea, the sangoma said.

"Not really, but those who are aware or suspect they might have abantu abadala (spiritually gifted) must ask permission from the ancestors of the water. They can offer a small prayer or a pinch of smokeless tobacco at the shore. It is a simple sign of humility and respect that can protect you from any misfortune the water may hold."

Read also

"The power of social media": Limpopo orphan's shack replaced by community-built dream home, SA moved

Mzansi reacts to the mermaid humour

Social media users flooded the comments section, expressing their amusement at the young lady's banter. Many viewers noted how the woman’s convincing appearance and dramatic delivery almost made them believe her story. Others said they were not expecting the security guards' terrified reaction. A popular joke among viewers was the prediction that the men would tell their families and visit podcasts to recount the bizarre and scary experience of meeting a mermaid.

User @Quintessa Dalalas shared:

"People, we laugh, but what if she's telling the truth? The mystery of lawlessness is slowly revealing itself in the world. Fire in the name of Jesus."

User @Pablo_wrld commented:

"You just started a legendary story that will be told to generations to come🔥😂."

User @Levasto shared:

"The next thing he will be on podcasts testifying that he saw Mamlambo😭."

User @chulekaleeandlizalise said:

"It's the eyes that got them so scared. They don't trust that you are really human or that you love them😂."

Read also

A South African woman cooked with candles to cut electricity costs and went viral for her creativity

User @Gugu added:

"Your eyes are so convincing 😭. Here, I’d die."

User @Sibusiso Makhanda asked:

"Hayi, unesbindi (you're brave). What if he got aggressive because of fear 😭?"

User @SP shared:

"The most honest mam'mlambo😭."

Watch the TikTok video below:

3 Briefly News article about Cape Town

• A local man pranked his best friend by pretending to be cornered into paying R10K by a woman he met at the groove, and his bestie agreed to help him without hesitation.
• A school principal was pranked by her teaching staff, who all froze just before she entered the staff room, catching her completely off guard.
• A Grade 12 learner was tricked into believing he was late for class after taking an afternoon nap, straight after school.

Source: Briefly News