From tombstones to granite tops in Tongaat

Criminals have found a new way of making a quick buck – by removing tombstones in Tongaat and reselling them as granite kitchen tops.

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“We are really disturbed by these reports about people who do not respect grave sites and who are desecrating them by stealing tombstones,” said KZN MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) Nomusa Dube-Ncube.

He called the thieves “shameless” and urged people to know the origins of the material they purchase, especially granite.

Dube-Ncube said tampering with grave sites was a serious offense that carried a hefty fine or a prison sentence.

“The KZN cemeteries and crematoria act requires one to seek permission from the MEC for local government to formally exhume a grave site. The KZN Cogta MEC is the custodian of grave sites in the province and he or she must be consulted in this regard.”

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