Africa-Press – Mozambique. The increasing number of hoes and capulanas being stolen during funeral ceremonies at the Mukhurua cemetery in the Napipine neighbourhood on the outskirts of Nampula city is deeply concerning the local population.
Residents and family members attending funerals report that such incidents, in addition to demonstrating a lack of security, represent a lack of respect during this time of grief.
According to Ikweli, the situation has been going on for a long time and has prompted constant complaints from the public.
Recently, our team witnessed an incident in which a family, already devastated by the loss of a loved one, was forced to mourn twice over during the selection of people to dig the grave, only to discover that the excavation materials had disappeared.
Another recurring problem is the request for capulanas to help tie the coffin, which are then not returned, further harming those attending the ceremony.
Isilda Luís, a resident of Mukhurua, said she has witnessed thefts during funerals several times, especially of hoes.
“There are people who pretend to be family members, showing solidarity and compassion, but they’re just observing the environment to steal. It’s even happened that they steal cell phones at night. In the cemetery, hoes are never returned, even wreaths placed on graves are stolen. We ask the municipality to pay close attention to neighbourhood cemeteries, and we also urge grieving families to be vigilant, because there are many opportunists on these occasions,” he said.
Adérito Chocas likewise stated that this practice “is already a common occurrence” and is nothing new to the community.
“Even in silence, it gnaws at the hearts of families. It has happened before funerals, when young people ask for materials claiming they’re going to dig in the cemetery, but in fact they are thieves. People often take advantage of funerals to steal. It’s not just hoes; even the capulanas borrowed to tie coffins are not returned,” he lamented.
The public is demanding urgent action to stop this tarnishing of moments of farewell and pain.
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