In Morogoro, Tanzania, families are devastated as thieves repeatedly vandalize graves to steal metal crosses and markers, motivated by the growing demand for scrap. Local authorities and religious leaders are pushing for security measures and community education to protect sacred sites.
Graveyard Crimes: Families in Tanzania Repeatedly Targeted by Metal Thieves
Graveyard Crimes: Families in Tanzania Repeatedly Targeted by Metal Thieves
Heartbreaking incidents of grave desecration in Morogoro, Tanzania, as thieves loot crosses and markers for scrap metal, creating a community outcry.
In the eastern Tanzanian city of Morogoro, the once serene Kola Municipal Cemetery is now marred by the heart-wrenching sight of vandalized graves, with families mourning the loss of crosses and markers stolen by grave robbers. In a disturbing trend, over 250 graves in a single section have been targeted, primarily during the night when no security is present.
For Pudensiana Chumbi, the agony is personal. She has been visiting the graves of her daughter and mother for over 20 years, only to witness repeated desecration of their resting places. Thieves first stole her mother’s cross, which was replaced in 2021, before her daughter's grave was damaged. Each time, she faces the painful decision of how to honor her loved ones.
The thefts are fueled by the rising value of scrap metal, with thieves reportedly earning as little as 700 to 870 Tanzanian shillings (about $0.27-$0.34) per kilogram from stolen markers and crosses, a meager sum that reflects the desperation many face. A local scrap merchant recounted how stolen goods often change hands without scrutiny, although he insists on reporting those who attempt to sell stolen merchandise to him.
As the crime wave persists, local health officer Dr. Ndimile Kilatu mentioned plans to enhance cemetery security through fencing and guarding efforts, but he acknowledged the need for resources and time to implement such changes. The Tanzanian government has expressed its commitment to regulating the scrap metal industry while religious leaders plead for community awareness and respect for these sacred places.
With a sense of frustration and devastation, Chumbi pushes for better security and upkeep of the cemetery as she navigates the emotional toll of replacing her mother’s cross again, opting for concrete this time. The community watches closely, yearning for a resolution to protect their shared history and the sanctity of their loved ones’ final resting places.
