Worry in Tanzania’s Morogoro Region as theft of crosses from graves resurfaces

This incident marks the second wave of such thefts, with many residents suspecting that the stolen crosses are being sold as scrap metal.

The situation has sparked outrage and concern among the community, prompting calls for immediate action from local authorities.

Ramadhani Libenanga, a relative of the deceased, recently discovered that three of his family members’ graves had been stripped of their crosses.

"I came here to clean my father's and my relatives' graves only to find three of my family members' markers missing," he lamented.

He counted over 50 other graves in the cemetery that also lacked proper markers.

For Libenanga and many others, these crosses are more than mere decorations; they represent a connection to the past and a legacy for future generations.

"These markers are crucial for remembering our loved ones," he explained.

"If the thieves understood that one day they too would die, they wouldn’t steal these crosses." His words reflect a deep sense of betrayal and a desire for respect for the deceased.

This wave of thefts, according to Libenanga, had previously subsided but has resurfaced with alarming frequency.

He urged the police to investigate the scrap metal trade, which he believes is fueling this crime.

"Before the scrap metal trade became prevalent, these thefts were rare. Now we see not just stolen crosses but also stolen streetlight poles and bridge railings," he noted, emphasizing the broader implications of this criminal activity.

After realizing the crosses had been stolen, Libenanga took it upon himself to raise funds to purchase replacements.

He also called on the Morogoro Municipal Council to take measures to protect the cemetery, suggesting the installation of a fence or bright lights to deter thieves.

"We need a strong response to ensure that our loved ones are honored and remembered," he asserted.

The community is united in its outrage. Oswald Nyamoga, a resident of Lukobe, voiced his concern over the need for more aggressive policing in the area.

"The police should patrol the cemetery frequently, and anyone caught committing these acts should face severe penalties as a deterrent," he said, underscoring the urgency of the situation.

Adding to the conversation, Luwa Said, a mason who often works at the cemetery, shared his observations about the thefts.

"These acts likely occur at night when fewer people are around," he explained, suggesting that greater vigilance is necessary.

Meanwhile, vendors selling grave markers in Morogoro have placed the blame on local masons, alleging that some of them may be involved in the thefts.

Ally Kitwana, a cross vendor, claimed, "These masons pretend to build graves and then return to cut the crosses to sell as scrap."

This accusation points to a complex web of relationships and accountability that extends beyond mere theft.

Juma Jongo, a scrap metal dealer, acknowledged the challenges of discerning the origins of the metal he receives.

"I rely on the young men who bring me scrap; I can't tell if it’s stolen or not," he admitted, highlighting the difficulties in tracking down stolen goods in a bustling trade.

In response to the growing crisis, Morogoro Municipal Director Emanuel Mkongo has recognized the severity of the situation. He has started investigating the reports of thefts and plans to convene a meeting with local authorities to discuss preventive measures. "We need to explore options such as installing lights in the cemetery and coordinating with the police for regular patrols," he stated.

Mkongo also emphasized the importance of educating scrap metal dealers about the legal implications of purchasing stolen items. "While erecting a fence is a long-term solution, we can implement immediate measures to address these thefts. Families should also consider using non-metallic materials for grave markers to minimize the risk of theft," he suggested.

As the community grapples with these alarming thefts, it is clear that a united front is needed to ensure that the memories of loved ones are respected and that the sanctity of the cemetery is preserved.

The call for action resonates through Morogoro, where residents seek not only justice for their stolen memories but also a renewed commitment to honoring their past.