Residents of Mavhunga Village near Thohoyandou, Limpopo, are gripped by fear and disbelief following a disturbing wave of grave violations. Community members have raised alarm over what they describe as a growing trend of criminals targeting cemeteries to steal corpses—believed to be used in sinister ritual practices.
The latest incident was reported to Mphephu Police Station on Saturday, 12 July 2025, sparking a police investigation and widespread concern throughout the village. Residents say unknown individuals are desecrating graves under the cover of night, digging up coffins and allegedly removing bodies for ritualistic purposes.
According to 43-year-old villager Mashudu Lufhuno, the community is horrified by the recent events.
“Gravesites are sacred places that should be treated with the utmost respect. It’s deeply disturbing to witness this kind of attack on our departed loved ones,” she said.
Echoing these sentiments, 67-year-old Dennis Tshifhiwa said he’s never experienced anything like this in his life.
“These violations are not just crimes—they’re spiritual disturbances. The consequences could be serious not only for the perpetrators but also for the families affected. Our ancestors deserve peace and dignity in death.”
Photographs circulating in the village show broken coffins and disturbed gravesites, evidence of the desecration that has shaken the community. The intruders reportedly operate at night, leaving behind dug-up plots and coffin fragments while disappearing without a trace.
Limpopo police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba confirmed that police in Mphephu have launched an investigation into the case. He said a family member received a tip-off from a local resident about suspicious activity at the village cemetery.
“She rushed to the scene, where she found a grave had been tampered with. Pieces of the coffin were scattered outside, but the suspects had already fled,” Ledwaba said.
Police have since registered a case of grave violation and are appealing to the public for any information that might assist in tracking down the culprits. Limpopo Police Commissioner, Lieutenant-General Thembi Hadebe, has condemned the incident in the strongest terms and urged detectives to leave no stone unturned.
“We are dealing with a deeply distressing situation. It’s unacceptable for anyone to defile burial grounds in this way. We’ve instructed our teams to prioritise this case,” said Hadebe.
Community members are now calling for tighter security measures around cemeteries, especially at night, to protect the dignity of the deceased and give families peace of mind.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the investigating officer, Sergeant Lirovha Mashudu Fortune, at 072 943 5260. Alternatively, tips can be reported to CrimeStop at 08600 10111, through the MySAPS App, or at the nearest police station.
As fear lingers in Mavhunga Village, residents continue to grapple with a haunting reality—where not even the dead are safe from crime.
