Born in 1910, Msomi was a Zulu sangoma, a traditional healer, struggling to establish a successful practice. In his quest for greater spiritual power, he consulted another sangoma. During this encounter, Msomi claimed to have been possessed by a tokoloshe, a mischievous and malevolent spirit in Zulu mythology.

Elifasi Msomi’s killing spree began in August 1953 when he lured a young woman away under the guise of performing a ritual. Instead, he raped and murdered her, later collecting her blood in a bottle. His mistress, who had witnessed his actions, reported him to the police, leading to his first arrest.

While in custody, Msomi escaped, claiming the tokoloshe had helped him break free. Over the next two years, he continued his rampage, killing men, women, and children. His victims were often bludgeoned with an axe, reinforcing his gruesome nickname: "The Axe Killer."

Authorities launched a massive manhunt as fear spread throughout the region. Msomi’s ability to evade capture fueled local suspicions that he possessed supernatural powers. He was arrested twice more but managed to escape both times, allegedly under the influence of the tokoloshe.

His final arrest in 1955 was due to an unexpected lead. Msomi had been caught for petty theft, and during questioning, stolen items from his victims were discovered in his possession. This led investigators to connect him to the string of murders.

During his trial in September 1955, Msomi maintained that he was merely a tool of the tokoloshe, acting on its evil instructions. However, psychologists evaluated him and determined that he was not possessed but instead exhibited sadistic tendencies and a deep-seated pleasure in inflicting pain.

The court found him guilty of 15 counts of murder, sentencing him to death by hanging. In an unusual move, a group of Zulu chiefs and elders attended his execution to ensure the tokoloshe did not interfere. On February 10, 1956, Elifasi Msomi was hanged at Pretoria Central Prison.