Grave Desecration Plagues Morogoro Cemetery Amid Scrap Metal Demand

The Kola Municipal Cemetery in Morogoro, Tanzania, has seen over 250 grave desecrations as thieves steal metal crosses for scrap, prompting community outrage and calls for enhanced security measures.

In the eastern Tanzanian city of Morogoro, a disturbing trend of grave desecration has emerged as robbers target graves for metal crosses and tomb markers. The Kola Municipal Cemetery has been hit particularly hard, with over 250 graves vandalized in a small section alone, as thieves seek to profit from the rising demand for scrap metal.

Among those affected is Pudensiana Chumbi, who has mourned her daughter and mother at the cemetery for over two decades. Recently, both graves have suffered multiple attacks. After replacing her deceased mother's cross, her daughter's grave was next, with the newly installed cross becoming a target within months. “This is my child's grave - my fourth child,” Ms. Chumbi lamented, noting her aversion to replacing the cross with another metal fixture considering the recent thefts.

This grave robbery epidemic occurs primarily at night when the cemetery is devoid of workers or security, leaving families heartbroken and infuriated. Ms. Chumbi expressed her frustration with the situation, mentioning that some local youths have started demanding payments to guard the graves at night, specifically those adorned with valuable tiles that can be easily sold for home decoration.

Augustine Remmy, Ms. Chumbi's brother, echoed the community's distress, emphasizing the deep emotional pain felt when sacred spaces are disrespected. The thefts are driven by a harsh economic reality, where criminals can earn a meager profit of around 700 to 870 Tanzanian shillings ($0.27-$0.34) per kilogram for stolen metal, enough to purchase a meal or a drink but far from a sustainable living.

The scrap metal trade in the region is fueled by a lack of stringent oversight, with dealers often buying stolen items without asking questions. One thief shared how he would cut stolen crosses into smaller pieces to sell to scrap merchants, highlighting the lack of accountability in the trade.

In response to rising thefts, some scrap dealers have begun reporting these crimes to authorities. Izire Ramadhani, a dealer in Morogoro, recalls a recent incident where he turned in a thief attempting to sell a stolen cross, resulting in a three-and-a-half-year prison sentence that diminished similar attempts similarly, even though rates have increased once again.

Authorities, including Dr. Ndimile Kilatu, plan to improve cemetery security with fences and guards, though they acknowledge that this will take time and resources. The government has also committed to regulating the scrap metal industry, with Deputy Prime Minister Dotto Biteko calling for adherence to laws and continued public education to restore respect for sacred sites.

Religious leaders have joined the effort, advocating for community initiatives to educate youth about the importance of respecting burial grounds. Pastor Steven Msigara of the Jesus Assembles of God in Morogoro emphasized a collective responsibility to guide younger generations and restore the dignity of these sites.

Meanwhile, Ms. Chumbi continues her heart-wrenching task of replacing her family's crosses once more, now opting for concrete as a more secure material. Families like hers hope for urgent improvements in cemetery security and care to ensure that their loved ones can be honored in peace, free from the threat of theft and disrespect.