Vandals burn and destroy tombstones at Tshikwarani

The Community of Kutama-Tshikwarani is shocked and angry after several expensive tombstones were set on fire and destroyed at the local cemetery about two weeks ago.

Mr Thomas Madzhie, whose family members are buried at the graveyard, said community members were saddened by what had happened to the tombstones. He could not believe his eyes when he visited the graveyard and condemned “the evil deed”.

He said he would not rest until the culprits were punished. “I have never been hurt and disappointed like this in my life. I cannot understand why these heartless people could have done this to the graveyard. We spent a lot of money to erect the tombstone, because we want our beloved deceased to rest in peace. I want the police to bring the culprits to book, because many villagers use their last money to erect the tombstones," said Madzhie.

He said the community would not allow such disrespect to their loved ones. “Our family members must be left alone and rest in peace. These people are our ancestors and if anyone wants to tamper with these graves, he will be in danger."

The spokesperson of the Kutama Royal Council, Vhamusanda Vho- Ntanganedzeni Kutama, said that people who were doing “these barbaric deeds” came from the community and he appealed to villagers to report any crime or wrongdoing to the police. He discouraged community members, however, from taking the law into their own hands and appealed to those who know something to report it. He emphasized that community members have to work hand in hand with the police in order to bring the culprits to book.

Kutama criticised the vandalism of the graves and added that the municipality will work tirelessly with the police to make sure that justice prevails.

The spokesperson for the SAPS at Tshilwavhusiku, Const Munyadziwa Marindi, said that no case had been opened at the station.

Date:23 October 2014

By: Kaizer Nengovhela

Kaizer Nengovhela started writing stories for Limpopo Mirror in 2000. Prior to that he had a five year stint at Phala-Phala FM as sports presenter. In 2005 Kaizer received an award from the province's premier as Best Sports Presenter. The same year he was also nominated as Best Sports Reporter by the Makhado Municipality. Kaizer was awarded the Mathatha Tsedu award in 2014.

Read: 1873