Authorities in Limpopo have launched an investigation after more than 40 bodies were discovered in a secret mass burial at the Mookgophong cemetery. The bodies were buried without coffins in two large pauper’s graves, allegedly by a funeral service provider contracted by the Limpopo Department of Health.
The shocking revelation has prompted forensic teams and police to begin exhuming the remains. The process, which began on Monday, is expected to continue throughout the week. Police officials, alongside Health Department representatives, are working diligently to recover the remains and determine the exact number of individuals buried.
According to initial reports, the bodies were unclaimed and stored in provincial mortuaries for an extended period. With storage facilities reaching capacity, the Department of Health claims it was forced to take emergency action due to pressure on resources. However, the manner in which the burials were conducted has raised serious concerns about protocol, dignity, and legality.
Limpopo Health Department spokesperson Neil Shikwambana acknowledged that the bodies were identified as paupers, which typically makes them the municipality’s responsibility. However, due to logistical and operational challenges faced by the municipality at the time, the department intervened by hiring a funeral parlour to conduct the burials.
“Firstly, we want to clarify that the individuals were indeed declared paupers. In such cases, the municipality is normally responsible for the burial,” said Shikwambana. “However, due to the municipality facing its own challenges at the time, we had to intervene and secure a service provider to conduct the burials. Our storage facilities were under immense pressure — imagine having 40 unclaimed bodies in our mortuaries.”
Shikwambana further confirmed that an internal investigation has been launched to assess whether standard procedures were followed or if any misconduct occurred. “As for the allegation of a mass burial, we have launched an investigation into the matter,” he added.
In the meantime, public access to the cemetery has been restricted as forensic specialists continue their exhumation work. The discovery has sparked outrage in the community, with residents and human rights activists demanding answers and accountability. The incident raises questions not only about the conditions in provincial mortuaries but also about the systems in place for handling unclaimed bodies.
Critics argue that regardless of the deceased’s status, every individual deserves a respectful and dignified burial. The practice of burying multiple people in the same grave without coffins, they say, shows a lack of compassion and respect for human dignity.
As authorities continue their investigation, more information is expected to emerge regarding how the situation unfolded and who may be held accountable. Meanwhile, the exhumation continues under heavy security and strict supervision to ensure the integrity of the forensic process.