News / Local
Sand poachers dig up graves, expose coffins at cemetery
11 May 2015 at 06:57hrs | Views
SCORES of sand poachers in Bulawayo's Hyde Park Cemetery are digging up graves leaving coffins exposed, Bulawayo City Council has said.
Zanele Hwalima, the city's health director, said sand poaching began last year and was mainly affecting graves in section general five of the cemetery.
"It was believed that the sand was being used in the neighbouring (housing) stands where extensive building construction was in progress.
"What was particularly disturbing was that although we have requested for soil from the director of engineering services to refill the graves, the thieves had come and carted away this soil again. In some instances during this said pilferage, soil had been taken away to the point of leaving coffins exposed, an unfortunate and serious disrespect to the departed," she said.
Councillors resolved to plead with residents to stop the practice.
"It was suggested that the area councillor address the residents to desist from this abominable behaviour. It may be of assistance in the long term to consider constructing a durawall (precast wall) around the cemetery to preserve the decency of our cemetery.
"The committee considered the matter and councillor Gideon Mangena said that poaching of pit sand at Hyde Park Cemetery was an anti-social practice which should be stopped. The soils at Hyde Park Cemetery were pit sand which was used for construction purposes.
"Councillor Lillian Mlilo's view was that security at Hyde Park Cemetery should be increased. Other cemeteries in the city had adequate security which carried out regular patrols. Pit sand poachers should also be arrested accordingly."
Zanele Hwalima, the city's health director, said sand poaching began last year and was mainly affecting graves in section general five of the cemetery.
"It was believed that the sand was being used in the neighbouring (housing) stands where extensive building construction was in progress.
"What was particularly disturbing was that although we have requested for soil from the director of engineering services to refill the graves, the thieves had come and carted away this soil again. In some instances during this said pilferage, soil had been taken away to the point of leaving coffins exposed, an unfortunate and serious disrespect to the departed," she said.
"It was suggested that the area councillor address the residents to desist from this abominable behaviour. It may be of assistance in the long term to consider constructing a durawall (precast wall) around the cemetery to preserve the decency of our cemetery.
"The committee considered the matter and councillor Gideon Mangena said that poaching of pit sand at Hyde Park Cemetery was an anti-social practice which should be stopped. The soils at Hyde Park Cemetery were pit sand which was used for construction purposes.
"Councillor Lillian Mlilo's view was that security at Hyde Park Cemetery should be increased. Other cemeteries in the city had adequate security which carried out regular patrols. Pit sand poachers should also be arrested accordingly."
Source - Southern Eye
