Published: 2013 April 26 07:59:31 (5644 Views)

Thieves are said to be stealing the ashes of cremated people in Mbombela, Mpumalanga in South Africa.

Michelle Scheepers of Lowveld Crematorium and Funeral Services said this week that 17 containers of ashes have been broken into at the Sonheuwel Cemetery's Wall of Remembrance over the past few months.

Scheepers told Daily Sun: "Municipal workers at the cemetery said it is most likely that the ashes are being used for muthi by the people who steal them."

Traditional healer Sifiso Christopher said muthi (herbs) containing human ashes was believed to trigger magical powers.

He said: "Some people believe that they can use it to become invincible and strong.

"But stealing these ashes is a terrible thing to do in the eyes of God."

Sifiso said the remains are also believed to attract customers to the shops of business people who use the muthi.

Scheepers said the Wall of Remembrance was getting emptier by the day as family members removed the ashes of their loved ones, for fear of thieves.

"Many people have now taken out their family members' ashes, moving them to chapels or the crematorium instead of the cemetery, which is owned by the municipality," she said.

- Dailysun

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