Some African tribes tried to appease ther ancestors and spirits with blood offerings. Some of these spirits were happy to accept the blood of an animal, but if they were not pleased they would return and spread disease.

The 'Owengas' vampire of North Africa was said to be the spirits of evil ancestors in a physical form. In order to deprive the Owengas of its food, Africans would destroy any blood stained implements and clear up any spilt blood.

The' Impundulu' is a voracious witch's servant found in the eastern Cape region of Africa. The Impundulu is passed down the family line. The Impundulu appeared to its mistress as a handsome man, who becomes her lover. He is sent out to bring suffering and death. It is merciless, relentless, and insatiable. This creature is always hungry for blood, human or cattle. To fail in satisfying the creature would bring death to the owner.