Man found sleeping next to dug-up relatives' bones

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Police in Masoyi have arrested a 29-year-old man for allegedly exhuming the remains of his father and grandfather at a cemetery in Swalala, near White River.

Police Discover Disturbed Graves

According to police spokesperson Brigadier Donald Mdhluli, a woman arrived at the Masoyi Police Station around 13h30 on Tuesday, 29 April 2025, to report the incident, .

The Visible Policing Unit officers responded swiftly and confirmed that two adjacent graves disturbed.

The police identified the graves, dating back to 2010, as those of the suspect’s father and grandfather.

Bones Found in Suspect’s Bed

Police tracked the suspect to his home in the RDP section of Swalala.

There, they found him asleep with human bones beside him, believed to be from the exhumed graves.

Police immediately took him into custody and charged him with violating the graves.

Remains of the suspect father and grandfather. — Remains believed to be exhumed from graves. Image: Supplied

Masoyi Man Court Appearance

The suspect appeared in the Masoyi Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, 30 April, but the case was postponed.

He is expected to return on 05 May 2025.

Police confiscated the remains for further investigation. Investigators are continuing their work, and they will communicate further developments as they unfold.

Similar Incidents of Grave Desecration and Theft of Remains

According to The Citizen, suspects involved with narcotics allegedly raided cemeteries for bones and ashes. Which they mixed with their substances in January 2025.

These acts of disrespect have sparked outrage in local communities, especially with the destruction of memorials like the Wall of Remembrance at Bredell Cemetery.

Although such cases are often linked to drug addiction, some local residents suggest that the causes behind these grave violations might be more complex.