Albino's grave mysteriously dug
TIKHUBA – A Mthembu family is left shocked after the grave of a family member, who had albinism, was vandalised in an apparent attempt to dig it up.
Thoko Mthembu died in 2007, leaving behind six children and her grave remained intact until last week when it was discovered to have been dug up.
The Mthembus want to know who is responsible and why the grave has been tampered with.
"We are not sure whether or not the coffin and Thoko’s remains are still there," said Abraham Mthembu, Thoko’s brother.
The discovery of the grave being vandalised was made by Abraham’s sister-in-law, who had gone to collect firewood last week Satur-day.
She is said to have noticed that the grave seemed to have been tampered with and that the stones had been rearranged.
The sister-in-law is said to have reported the matter only on Saturday and this prompted the family to investigate further on the Monday.
"When we arrived at the grave, we realised that someone could have dug it up and we reported the matter to the umphakatsi," said Abraham.
He added that the digging could have been done in the night and that they could not tell when, exactly, it happened.
The family is now faced with the dilemma of wanting to know what happened and not wanting to disturb the remains, if they are still in the grave. When told about the discovery, Nduna Gwebu was shocked, and said he has never heard of a grave being dug up.
A representative of the umphakatsi, Amos Gamedze, said the Tikhuba community was in shock because they suspect a local resident was invol- ved.
"The person could be walking around among us because only the locals knew who the grave belonged to."
Gamedze said the matter was reported to the Tikhuba police, who came but later referred the matter to the Siteki police, who arrived to take statements.
Don’t be surprised
TIKHUBA – Don’t be surprised if you see an albino walking past with armed policemen, it’s called police protection.
The view of some residents is that if the lives of albinos are in danger, why don’t they apply for police protection.
Police Public Relations Officer, Superintendent Wendy Hleta however said it is very difficult for police to be everywhere. She however added that if an albino suspects that there is someone wanting to kill them, they could phone 999 and police will respond. "If one suspects that his or her life is in danger, they could call our emergency line and police will be dispatched," said Hleta.
Comments
It is extremely disgusting the way thing are handled nowadays, I mean who on earth can ever do such an immoral act, I found it very unfortunate for these people who are responsible for this, it is really shocking sis. The police are to investigate severely in this case so that these people may be arrested with immediate effect, surely it makes me feel sick!!!
Oct 25, 2010, 1:55 PM, Thamie (210541594@ukzn.ac.za)
What is happening in Swaziland kantsi? This really brings a tear to one's eye. Bantfu abayekele kutondza bantfu labanye ngekutsi nje they were born with albinism. Asitsandzaneni maswati lamahle, it’s not that difficult.
Oct 25, 2010, 4:02 PM, Lungile (nomsa@gmail.com)