A family from Ndlalambi under Timphisini Inkhundla has been left traumatised after discovering that the grave of their late relative had been dug up and both the coffin and human remains were missing.
The disturbing discovery was made on Thursday at the Madonsela family graveyard, where the grave of Banele Madonsela, who died in 2009, was found open with no trace of the coffin or the body.
Joshua Madonsela (61), the father of the deceased, confirmed the incident, saying the discovery had re-opened painful memories for the family.
“We were informed by other family members that one of the graves had been dug open. When I went there to check, I found that the grave had indeed been dug up and there was no coffin or body inside,” said Madonsela.
He said a pile of soil had been left next to the grave, indicating that someone had deliberately dug it up.
“There were stones that marked and fenced the grave, and it appears whoever committed this act used them to locate it. We searched for any human remains, but there was absolutely nothing left,” he said.
Madonsela said the family immediately informed the Ludzibini Royal Kraal before reporting the matter to the Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS).
He said members of the royal kraal visited the graveyard to inspect the scene. Police officers also inspected the scene on Thursday.
“This has opened fresh wounds for our family. It has been many years since we buried my son, and we had finally found peace. It is heart-breaking to think that someone could commit such an evil act. We hope the truth will come out so that our family can find closure,” he said.
Ludzibini Royal Kraal representative Gilbert Kunene said he was shocked by what he found upon arriving at the family graveyard.
“When we inspected the grave, we found it open, and both the coffin and body were missing. This is a disturbing and unacceptable act,” said Kunene.
He strongly condemned the incident and appealed to members of the Ndlalambi community, who may have information, to report it to the police.
“We urge anyone with information that could assist the investigation to come forward and help the police bring those responsible to justice,” he said.
Meanwhile, acting Chief Police Information and Communication Officer (PICO) Inspector Mazwi Ndzimandze confirmed the grave violation.
“I can confirm that police are investigating a case of grave violation reported at Ndlalambi. Investigations are ongoing,” said Ndzimandze.
