Frustrated Lowveld Tombstones clients who say they had paid thousands of rands fear losing their money after alleged equipment thefts shut down operations.

According to the company’s operations manager, Deven Pillay, Lowveld Tombstones has experienced financial difficulties, which resulted in some employees not receiving their full salaries in December 2025. Pillay said the workers were eventually paid in January, after which some employees embarked on a protest.

“Since we could not deliver the tombstones to customers, some stormed into our premises and stole our equipment,” he said.

Pillay said the company subsequently opened several cases at Nelspruit Police Station, but alleged that no action had been taken.

Daylight break-in leaves factory unable to operate

He said the situation worsened on Saturday, August 22, when people allegedly broke into the factory during the day and stole equipment and other property, with some reportedly removing sections of the roof.

“We called the police and they refused to assist us after numerous calls,” Pillay alleged.

He added that he was aware several customers had fully paid for their tombstones and were still waiting for their orders to be fulfilled.

“I want to give them what they paid for, but everything was stolen and we cannot work. There is nothing I can do to ensure that people get their stones,” he said.

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Clients out of pocket as branches remain closed

The latest developments have added to growing concerns among Lowveld Tombstones customers.

Since Lowvelder first reported on the matter earlier this year, more customers have come forward, saying they have been unable to locate the company or obtain updates on orders they paid for months ago.

Some said the branches where they made payments remain closed, while telephone numbers provided to them are no longer in service. They also expressed frustration over what they describe as a lack of communication from the company’s management.

They now want to know whether they will receive the tombstones they paid for – some costing more than R40 000 – or be refunded, amid uncertainty over the company’s future and the alleged theft of its equipment.

Police review outstanding cases

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Mpumalanga police spokesperson Colonel Mavela Masondo, confirmed that cases of housebreaking and theft have been opened, and investigations are under way. No arrests have been made yet. “Regarding the allegation that the police did not attend to the complaint, we urge the victim to lodge a formal complaint so that the matter can be investigated internally,” he said.