Prominance Sinomusa Khumalo
In a bizarre and troubling turn of events, a man was caught removing grave markers from a cemetery in broad daylight for resale as metal scrap.
The unidentified man from somewhere in South Africa, was apprehended by cemetery visitors as he casually collected the markers which are approximately 45 x 45 centimeters metal slate affixed on a 50 centimeters long angle iron. The markers had the name of the deceased, date of birth, date of death and date of burial on them. There was also the grave number so as to identify where the person who passed on was laid to rest.
The grave discretor was ready to load the markers into the back of a pickup truck in broad daylight, seemingly without any attempt to hide his actions.
With the lack of employment opportunities engulfing many, it seems this man has turned to the resting place of the dead to make a living, literally.
One would say he is trying to dig up new opportunities.
Residents of the small town expressed a mixture of outrage, pity, and dark humor over the incident.
“Leave it to the government to come up with a new way to make a quick buck,” chuckled longtime resident Senzo Dlamini.
“I guess when jobs dry up, the grave robbing business is the next logical step.” said an old retired man Bongumusa Ncube.
Others were less amused.
“It’s just heartbreaking to see someone sink to this level. This is a symptom of a much larger problem. The lack of economic opportunity and support for people in our town. It’s a vicious cycle that’s tearing the fabric of our community apart.” sighed community activist Lorah Ndoro.
Indeed, the graveyard scavenger’s brazen actions shine a harsh spotlight on the dire employment situation plaguing the country. With the town’s main factories having shut doors years ago and few new businesses are emerging to fill the void, with many residents have finding themselves struggling to make ends meet.
The incident highlights the struggles many face in finding employement, leading some to resort to unconventional means for survival. As one commenter noted.
“When life gives you lemons, make lemonades. But when life takes away your job, sell grave markers”
Zim GBC News©2024