**Cemetery Vandalism in Tanzania: Thieves Target Grave Markers for Scrap Metal**

The worrying trend of grave desecration highlights societal desperation as metal theft increases, jeopardizing the sanctity of burial grounds.

In the Kola Municipal Cemetery of Morogoro, Tanzania, a grievous wave of vandalism has left many families in despair as over 250 grave markers, particularly metal crosses, have been stolen or damaged by thieves seeking scrap metal. The thefts, primarily occurring under the cover of night, have left the dearly departed’s final resting places in disarray, igniting a community outcry.

Pudensiana Chumbi, a frequent visitor to the cemetery to honor her mother and daughter, has seen the repeated devastation of their graves. After carefully saving to replace the cross on her mother’s grave, both it and her daughter's grave have been targeted in a series of thefts that highlight the growing crime trend fueled by the surging demand for scrap metal.

With no cemetery workers present at night, the criminals, whom Chumbi describes as "cursed," feel emboldened. Families are left reorganizing their grief as they continue to face repeated acts of disrespect. “It truly hurts a lot,” shares Augustine Remmy, her brother, mourning the overall impact on the community.

Reports suggest the thieves earn between 700 to 870 Tanzanian shillings (approximately $0.27 to $0.34) per kilogram of stolen metal. While the payoff is minimal, it can cover daily necessities like food or alcohol, driving desperate individuals to risk damaging sacred sites. One anonymous thief confessed to the BBC how stolen grave markers are processed before being sold to scrap merchants, which has become a troubling industry pattern.

Local metal dealers, however, have begun taking action. Some, like Izire Ramadhani, have started reporting stolen goods and advocating for community awareness to diminish grave-related thefts. Despite these efforts, the thefts seem to be on the rise again, highlighting the continued vulnerability of cemetery sites.

In light of these events, Morogoro's health officer, Dr. Ndimile Kilatu, noted that improving cemetery security would take resources and time, although plans to install fences and employ guards are underway. Meanwhile, the government has promised tighter regulations on the scrap metal industry to dissuade such activities.

Religious leaders, including Pastor Steven Msigara, are also calling for community education on the importance of respecting sacred places. Chumbi, longing for more security, is resigned to replacing her mother’s cross for a second time, opting for concrete this time in hopes that it won’t be stolen again.

As the community grapples with the desecration of their sacred spaces, the urgency for effective solutions to protect cemeteries and restore their dignity grows increasingly critical.