Outrage and grief have gripped residents of Etwatwa, Ekurhuleni, following the arrest of four individuals involved in a shocking spate of grave robberies at Phumulani Cemetery. The arrests, made last week by vigilant crime wardens, have exposed a callous operation involving the theft, refurbishment, and resale of granite tombstones.
Among those arrested is a tombstone manufacturer, whose confession implicated himself and three accomplices in a wider scheme targeting multiple cemeteries across the region. According to police, the suspects allegedly removed tombstones, refurbished the granite, and then resold the material as kitchen countertops or even as new tombstones – a cynical recycling of grief and remembrance.
The scale of the desecration became apparent during a visit to Phumulani Cemetery by Daily Sun. One grave was found completely stripped of its granite slab, while other headstones were missing, leaving behind a scene of profound disrespect and sorrow. The ease with which the criminals operated highlights serious security lapses at the cemetery.
Daniel Sefako, one of the victims, discovered parts of his late mother's tombstone missing two weeks ago. He described the modus operandi of the grave robbers: “They allegedly place a tombstone and, after a few months, return to take it. They refurbish the granite stone and resell it as kitchen granite tops or tombstones, essentially recycling our tombstones," he explained. He further detailed the vulnerabilities of the cemetery, stating: "These people are busy because they know security guards aren't patrolling the entire cemetery. They enter as if their visiting non-existent relatives but are actually scouting for tombstones to steal. It's easy to access the cemetery as parts of the fence are missing."
The arrests have been met with a mixture of relief and anger. Ekurhuleni Municipality spokesman, Zweli Dlamini, expressed his praise for the police's swift action.
"We've seen many graves vandalised. As a municipality, it's a positive sign. We hope more people will come forward with information so that all those involved are arrested. Graveyards used to be sacred places, but not anymore," he said.
Warrant Officer Majang Skalkie, acting spokeswoman for Ekurhuleni District Police, confirmed the arrests, stating that four suspects, including the tombstone manufacturer, are currently in custody. The arrests represent a significant breakthrough in the fight against this particularly callous form of crime.
However, the incident also highlights the urgent need for improved security measures at cemeteries across the region to prevent future acts of desecration. The vulnerability of Phumulani Cemetery, with its damaged fencing and inadequate security patrols, has allowed grave robbers to operate with impunity.
