The bereaved Mugeri family is still in shock after finding out that the tombstone they had erected a day before the burial of their family member, was stolen on Saturday night.

The Mugeri family of Tshiozwi village outside Louis Trichardt requested MMK Funeral undertaker to erect the tombstone a day before they were to bury a family member, Ms Takalani Mugeri, at the Tshiozwi cemetery. The erection of the tombstone went well and it was pleasing to the eyes of the family members. They were, however, not aware that an empty grave would also attract thugs. The heartbreaking moment arrived on Saturday morning when they wanted to bury her and found the expensive tombstone stolen.

A family representative, Mr Ronny Mugeri, said the family had prepared a dignified burial for their family member and what had happened aggravated the pain. Mugeri appeals to anyone who may have information that could lead to the arrest of the perpetrators to contact the police or the headman.

The chairperson of the local civic organisation, Mr Shaft Matumba, said the community was also shocked by the theft of a tombstone in the graveyard. He said community members will patrol the streets during the night time until crime is reduced to zero percent in the Tshiozwi area.

MMK Funeral undertaker employee Livhuwani Mulaudzi said they had finished installing the tombstone at around 17:00 on Friday. Mulaudzi said when they left, another funeral undertaker was busy installing a tombstone at the same cemetery. The second team apparently left the cemetery at around 22:00.

A similar incident happened at Gogobole Village two weeks ago, when another family found their tombstone missing.

Tshilwavhusiku police spokesperson, Constable Khakhu Maiwashe, confirmed they had opened a case of theft and said the investigation was continuing. Const Maiwashe appeals to the community members to come forward with any information that can lead to the arrest of the suspects.