The Morogoro Municipal Council is set to introduce a special program requiring citizens to contribute towards burial expenses in public cemeteries. The initiative aims to bolster the security and maintenance of burial sites following a recent wave of thefts targeting graves.
According to municipal authorities, 85 graves mostly tiled and surrounded by aluminum bands—were vandalized, with the metal bands stolen.
The municipality believes this criminal activity is being carried out by a network of scrap metal thieves, and investigations are currently underway to identify and apprehend those responsible.
Speaking to this publication, Morogoro Municipal Health Officer Ndilime Kilatu confirmed the plans and emphasized the urgency of the matter.
He noted that the cost of protecting gravesites cannot be borne by the municipality alone and called for community involvement.
“We are introducing a contribution system for families seeking burial services. This is not only to ease the financial strain on the municipality but also to strengthen security measures in our cemeteries,” said Kilatu. “We urge the public to support this initiative as a way of honoring and safeguarding the dignity of the deceased.”
Kilatu also revealed that the council, in collaboration with neighborhood leaders, has launched night patrol operations that have already resulted in the recovery of tools used in the thefts and some of the stolen aluminum bands.
He issued a stern warning to scrap metal dealers, urging them to verify the origins of the materials they purchase. “Anyone found buying stolen metals will face severe legal consequences,” he added.
The municipality is also calling on residents to support local security efforts. During recent operations, many suspects reportedly fled before they could be apprehended.
Amiri Nondo, a relative of one of the deceased buried in Kola cemetery, condemned the thefts and called on authorities to take swift and decisive action.
“Stealing from graves is a despicable act. We urge the government and law enforcement to intensify their efforts to bring these criminals to justice. Our loved ones deserve to rest in peace without fear of desecration,” Nondo said.
Nondo, who visited the cemetery to check on his late wife’s grave after hearing of the thefts, was relieved to find it intact. However, he expressed concern over the financial and emotional toll on families whose graves were vandalized.
“These crimes not only damage property but also force families to rebuild graves at great expense. It’s an unnecessary and painful burden,” he said.
Mohamed Shamte, a grave worker at the cemetery, identified the culprits as mostly young individuals who should be held accountable.He noted that the thefts initially targeted iron crosses, but have now shifted to aluminum bands.
“We are grateful to the Kola B local leadership for assigning more youth to assist with cemetery security,” Shamte added. “But more needs to be done to stop this new form of grave robbery.”
The thefts, which began at the Kihonda cemetery, have now spread to Kola and appear to be part of a growing trend targeting valuable grave materials.