Heartless thieves steal ashes from cemetery

Ashes interred at the Geduld Cemetery have been stolen.

The disturbing thefts were brought to the attention of the Addie by Henry and Margie Harber from the Wild Wild Guardians.

“A teenager was recently caught in the act at the cemetery and was arrested,” says Henry.

He explains the teenager confessed to selling the ashes to receive money for drugs.

“There is a lot of speculation as to what the ashes are used for and we are not completely sure yet either,” says Henry.

One of the theories is that the the ashes are being sold to traditional healers who use it in their ‘muti’.

Another unconfirmed theory is that drug users sniff the ashes.

“I suspect that they mix these ashes with drugs such as cocaine to make the quantity more, it also gives it a grey colour,” he says.

Margie says she cannot believe people have resorted to stealing the remains of loved ones.

“It was someone’s family; how heartbroken must those people be, it’s completely disrespectful to both the living and the dead,” she says.

Capt Johannes Ramphora, spokesman for the Springs police, confirms an arrest was made in connection with the theft recently.

“A minor was brought to the police station for stealing ashes,” he says.

Ramphora adds they have not had many instances such as these.

“We are busy trying to establish what the ashes are used for,” he concludes.

The Addie is awaiting comment from the Ekurhuleni Metro.