The police in Mopani have arrested two men in connection with the vandalism of tombstones that took place at Siyandani village near Giyani two weeks ago. About 50 tombstones were damaged by unknown vandals at the local graveyard.

Supt Moatshe Ngoepe, spokesperson for the police in the Mopani area, said that the residents were going to bury a resident at the graveyard on Saturday, May 10, when they were greeted with a shocking sight. According to the police statement, residents discovered that great damage had been caused to the tombstones.

They contacted the police immediately. The statement further indicates that the vandals were targeting the most expensive tombstones. Supt Ngoepe revealed that a 29-year-old man was caught red-handed while damaging tombstones at the same graveyard last Saturday morning.

According to the statement, the man was spotted by local residents who were passing by. They informed the community and, within a short space of time, the whole graveyard was surrounded by angry residents. Another 30-year-old man was also caught in the act on Sunday morning at the same graveyard.

Ngoepe said that the damage caused to the tombstones is estimated at about R300 000.

The statement further indicates that the vandals used hard objects to damage the tombstones. The motive behind the damage was still unknown to the police as no tombstone was stolen during the incidents.

The two suspects were charged with violation of graves and were still to appear in the Giyani Magistrate’s Court at the time of going to press. Although they had arrested the two suspects, the police have appealed to anyone with information regarding the matter to contact them at any police station or on 0860 010 111.