Real African Hair!

Mutsa Madonka had his drink spiked in a club in Johannesburg and then had his dreadlocks shaved off and stolen! The theft, said hair stylists, was probably connected to the rising demand for natural dreadlocks as extensions shoulder-length dreadlocks are sold for between R200 and R700, while longer ones cost as much as R2500. It was clear that whoever stole his hair - which had taken him 10 years to grow - was after nothing else. His friend said, "When we found him, he still had his cellphone and wallet with all his money inside." Stylist John Wushe said: "They are becoming very popular. On a busy day we get about 10 people [wanting] to extend their hair."But not everyone is keen on using a stranger's hair.Willy Selahla of Soweto said: "I'm using my brother's hair because I know where it comes from and that he wasn't hurt." For clients wanting the extensions, the dreadlocks are either woven in individually using a thin crocheting hook or sewn together using a needle and thread . The process usually takes about two hours to complete and costs between R250 and R1500 depending on the length and thickness of the hair. Johannesburg police spokesman Captain John Maluleka encouraged victims to open cases of assault. He said: "We have only heard stories - no cases have been reported to us." Another stylist, Lebo Masimong said women were the most vulnerable. "You are an easy target if you walk around and your hair is loose. They don't care about your money or fancy phone. They are only after your hair."