The skeletal remains left by grave robbers at New Eersterust near Hammanskraal have sparked alarm and outrage.
The grave is believed to be that of Ofentse Ditsele’s daughter Karabo, who died at the age of two-months.
It is believed the robbers took some of the girl’s skeletal remains as only the skull and a few other bones were located next to the dug up grave.
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Police spokesperson Constable Herman Moremi said the gruesome discovery was reported by the Eersterust ward councillor after he was alerted by a community member who was cleaning the graveyard.
“The grave was tampered with and the remains were removed from the coffin. Police found a hole in the grave, a blanket and clothes next to the grave,” he said.
He said the remains were taken to government mortuary while police were still waiting for a court order to remove the coffin for further investigation.
According to the family, the child was born on 20 September 2017, died two months later on 13 November and buried three days later.
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Her mother said she visited the grave to clean it on Saturday, three days before it was dug up.
The incident has infuriated the community, who have since rallied together to employ security guards to guard the cemetery weekends and weeknights.
Resident Arnold Rabolela said the theft was the first of its nature at the cemetery, and could be linked to “black magic”.
Police said a case of violation of a grave has been opened for further investigation.
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