Auleria Wakudumo
OSHINYADHILA – A wave of shock and heartbreak has gripped the Oshinyadhila community following reports of multiple tombstones, headstones and grave ledgers stolen from Omakakala Cemetery in recent weeks.
The cemetery, located in Oshinyadhila village in the Oshana region, has become a target for criminals allegedly stealing granite and marble memorials to resell or repurpose.
Some of the perpetrators allegedly use the tombstone pieces as floor tiling for their houses or kitchen countertops that are mostly produced from marble.
Families speak
The incident has sparked outrage and grief among affected families, who say this is not only a criminal act but also a deeply disrespectful violation of the dead and a painful experience for the living. For many, a tombstone represents love, remembrance and closure. That peace has now been shattered for families like that of Maria Sheyanale, who arrived at the cemetery to find her mother’s tombstone destroyed.
She said the shocking discovery reopened old wounds and reminded her of the day she lost her mother. “My mother died over five years ago. She had a long-term illness, and I had to quit my job to care for her. This brings back all those memories. It feels like losing her all over again,” she said, visibly emotional.
She stated that the family installed the tombstone in 2017, the year her mother was buried. The incident left them with many questions. “Why would someone do this to the dead? Are they from outside or are they working with someone from the community?” she asked, her voice filled with pain.
This is not an isolated incident. Similar complaints have emerged from other towns, including Oshakati, where residents say grave desecration has been ongoing for years.
Victoria Immanuel shared the painful experience of visiting her mother’s grave, only to find it completely vandalised.
She expressed disappointment in local authorities, particularly the town councils, for failing to protect cemeteries under their jurisdiction. Immanuel suspects that the thefts are not random but rather carried out by individuals with knowledge of the funeral industry, possibly including undertakers.
Caretaker’s concerns
Julius Ipala, the caretaker of Omakakala Cemetery, expressed deep concern over the discovery. He said the incident first came to light when a community member visited her husband’s grave. “During her visit, she noticed that some of the tombstones had been vandalised. She informed the elders, who then told me,” he narrated. Initially, only three damaged tombstones were noticed.
However, upon further inspection by community members and police, it was discovered that more than six graves had been affected. Ipala clarified that, while he has been informally tasked with overseeing the cemetery due to his proximity, he is not officially employed in the role.
He only checks on the graveyard occasionally.
When New Era visited the cemetery, the scene was one of scattered fragments and partial destruction.
Some graves were damaged in parts – mainly the easily portable pillars.
Others were extensively destroyed.
In some cases, headstones had collapsed, making it difficult to identify who was buried beneath. Community members announced the issue in church, urging families to visit the cemetery, identify their relatives’ graves and assist in repairing the damaged tombstones.
Trauma
This is not the first time grave vandalism has driven individuals to extreme measures.
In October last year, a case from the Uupindi location in Oshakati drew national attention when Erick Ndakolo (56), a former police officer, slept at his mother’s grave for 18 days to protect it from thieves.
His mother passed away in 2003, and her tombstone was erected in 2017.
After it was vandalised and bricks were stolen, he pitched a tent directly over the grave, sleeping there day and night to protect what remained of his mother’s final resting place.
It is rumoured that some stolen tombstones are used as doormats around Oshakati, while others are allegedly reshaped for household decorations.
Industry impact
Kalimbo Iipumbu, owner of Trinity Funeral Services, expressed serious concern over the impact such incidents have on the reputation and sustainability of the funeral industry.
He said funeral service providers are also victims, as their work is tied to dignity, legacy and trust – all of which are eroded when gravesites are desecrated.
“We must respect the dead, just as we respect the living,” Iipumbu said.
He called on the government to ensure that every graveyard is guarded to prevent such painful and shameful acts from recurring.