Picture: Pampierstad leader, Olebogeng Tumudi in front of one of damaged graves
By REGINALD KANYANE
The community of Pampierstad was left dejected after more than 100 graves were violated. It is alleged that those graves were broken by unknown people who stole aluminum metals and destroyed tomb stones.
Irvin Danster (42) said this was a pure criminal activity that needs to be stopped. Danster said three graves belonging to his sister and aunties were also violated.
“It is so painful to see your loved ones graves being violated in this manner. I believe that this is disrespect and I urge our police to react. Perpetrator/s needs to be arrested and we also need to assist the police with necessary information.
“We are not sure who is behind this mass violation, but we cannot sit-back. We have opened few cases of violation of grave and damage to property,” he said.
Pampierstad community leader, Olebogeng Tumudi said: “We are not exultant after we found graves being broken at. We embarked on this campaign to fix those graves.
“We need to instill discipline in our people. What happened here is extraordinary and our people need to respect our mausoleums. Some of family members worked hard to buy tombstones and if this happens, they will be affected financial. More money will be needed to fix this mess.”
Pampierstad Police Station cluster spokesperson, Capt Oabona Boikanyo said the violation of grave and damage to property cases were opened.
“We can confirm that we have opened a case regarding this matter. We also urge our people to constantly visit their loved ones’ graves and ensure they are safe. Investigations are underway and we urge anyone with necessary information that could lead to arrest to come forward.”
Boikanyo said the violation of the grave is a misdemeanor at common law.
The Guardian 