Byline: Kelebogile Masemola
29 July 2022
Two males were apprehended when they were caught stealing tombstones at a graveyard in Mabopane, Tshwane on Wednesday, 28 July 2022.
Tshwane Metro Police Department (TMPD) spokesperson, Senior Superintendent Isaac Mahamba said the TMPD received a complaint about people extracting tombstones from graves.
He said the officers responded to the information and “upon arrival, two men were found carrying tombstones.”
Mahamba said the security guards showed the officers other tombstones the men damaged.
“The officers called the number that was engraved on the tombstones and the company selling them confirm the most of their old tombstones had been stolen,” said Mahamba.
“Upon further questioning of the suspects, the officers discovered that the suspects steal old tombstones, refurbish them and sell them at a cheaper price.
“When they extract the tombstones, they already have a customer who showed them the design they want.”
The two suspects were arrested for damage to property and violation of graveyard regulations.
Mahamba applauded the officers and security guards and said the TMPD will continue to combat crime in Tshwane.
