SEVERAL families from Tzaneen were left in the lurch after the owner of a tombstone firm, known as Tau Granite Tombstones, disappeared with their monies.

“We noticed that the place was no longer operating when we went to pay our outstanding balance. A new company was busy moving in,” said Samuel Ngobeni one of the people who lost their money.

He said the tombstone they wanted costed R6 780 and they had already paid R6 450, the outstanding balance was R330.

“We want our money back so that we can go buy a tombstone at a reputable place,” said Ngobeni.

A total of six families lost R28 910 altogether and they suspect there is still other families out there who have been conned.

“I heard their (Tau Granite Tombstone) advert on a national radio station,” said Lisbeth Nukeri another complainant.

The Herald tried phoning the numbers on the slips but one phone rang unanswered while the other one goes straight to voicemail.

The firm has another branch in Polokwane but the phone rings unanswered.

Sophy Mongwe said the family was planning an unveiling for her grandmother in December but it looks like their plans have been thwarted.

“Nothing hurts like trying to do something good for someone you love only for someone to prevent you from doing that,” said Sophy.