Gallows Hill, currently the site of Cape Town’s Traffic Department, has a dark history. In the past, the area was a chalky rise about 20 feet high that earned its name from the gallows – which had been erected on the hill to warn potential trouble makers from entering Cape Town harbor. Early 18th century maps depict the gallows and two small crosses located at the foot of the hill.
Interestingly, out of the thousands executed at Pretoria Gallows, only 14 were women – including Daisy De Melker who notoriously killed both of her husbands as well as her own son. Local rumors suggest De Melker still haunts her former residence.
Who knows what other ghosts may be lingering around the Gallows.
Maybe the offering of a last meal to appease their souls makes complete sense in such a haunted space.
Explore the haunted history of South Africa through the eerie stories of its past.
Haunted History of South Africa 