A sangoma and his two companions were arrested in Mabopane for excavating graves by the Mabopane Regional officers from the Tshwane Metro Police Department (TMPD).
Ms Lindi Siwela, of TMPD said the Police received a complaint from security guards who were working the night shift at a graveyard about people digging up graves on 22 July 2022.
“The officers responded swiftly by rushing to the graveyard and upon arrival, we found three people inside a grave busy digging. When the three suspects were questioned, they could not account for what they were doing and where they got permission to dig up the graves.
“Among the three suspects was a sangoma, and we believe they were allegedly looking for dead people’s bones for muti purposes. The suspects tried to offer a bribe of R1 500 and were then arrested for violation of graveyard regulations, malicious damage to property and bribery,” she said
Mr Tumelo Rakgwata, a Community member said he has heard of incidents like this, and after watching them on TV news, he is surprised to learn that it is also happening in his region.
“I wonder how the relatives of those whose graves have already been dug feel about it. Those who committed this offense must face the serious might of the law,” he said.
Ms Boitumelo Mogale, a Security Officer at the cemetery said the sangoma and his followers are a disgrace and must be given a serious and harsh sentence.
