In a troubling trend that has emerged in Morogoro, Tanzania, over 250 graves have been desecrated in one small section of the Kola Municipal Cemetery. This vandalism reflects a disturbing rise in grave robberies fueled by the increasing demand for scrap metal. The thieves often strike under the cover of darkness, targeting graves with no security or cemetery workers present. This activity has caused distress among families, with scrap merchants earning between 700 and 870 Tanzanian shillings ($0.27-$0.34; £0.22-£0.28) per kilogram for the stolen crosses.
Pudensiana Chumbi, a frequent visitor to the cemetery, has been personally affected by this trend. For over two decades, she has visited the graves of her daughter and mother. Unfortunately, both graves have been desecrated multiple times in recent years. Her mother's grave was first targeted in 2000, and after painstakingly saving to replace the stolen cross in late 2021, her daughter's grave was also damaged shortly thereafter. Ms. Chumbi is now opting for a concrete replacement to safeguard her mother's grave.
"This is my child's grave – my fourth child," – Ms Chumbi
Grave robbers typically collaborate with welders who cut the crosses into pieces before selling them to scrap merchants. An anonymous thief revealed that "metal dealers often buy without asking questions," highlighting the ease with which these crimes are committed.
The Tanzanian government has pledged to regulate the scrap metal industry in response to these incidents. Deputy Prime Minister Dotto Biteko has stressed the importance of adhering to laws and regulations.
"What is required is just to enforce that and keep the population educated on the same subject. We will keep so educating our people so that we put our infrastructure safe," – Deputy Prime Minister Dotto Biteko
In addition to government efforts, local leaders are calling for community action. Pastor Steven Msigara from the Jesus Assembles of God in Morogoro emphasized the need for a united effort to educate young people about respecting sacred places.
"Together, we must restore their dignity, we know some youth are exposed to bad acts but we can return them to the right track," – Pastor Steven Msigara
Despite these efforts, the emotional toll on families is significant. Ms. Chumbi expressed her despair over the repeated desecration of her loved ones' final resting places.
"The people doing this are cursed because everyone is sad about what is going on," – Ms Chumbi
In Morogoro city centre, dealer Izire Ramadhani took a stand against these activities by reporting an individual attempting to sell a stolen cross to authorities in 2023.
"If a cross is brought here, the person coming to sell to us will be in trouble because we will take him to the police," – Izire Ramadhani
Authorities in Morogoro are also exploring ways to improve cemetery security. Dr. Ndimile Kilatu, Morogoro's health officer, indicated plans to introduce fences and guards, although he cautioned that this would require both resources and time.
"This is too bad… when these areas that deserve respect are subjected to such bad acts, it truly hurts a lot," – Augustine Remmy
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