Mystery graves in church yard
2003-06-20 18:47
Umtata - Ten men were arrested on Friday after the discovery of eight shallow graves in a church compound in the Mandela informal settlement near Umtata, Eastern Cape police said.
Superintendent Nondumisa Jafta said a number of people had been staying at the compound and worshipping, claiming that they were awaiting the return of Jesus Christ.
It is thought the worshippers, including young children, might have fasted for a number of days as part of the ritual.
Jafta said the police would bring charges of concealment of deaths and defeating the ends of justice against the arrested men.
The bodies of the deceased would be exhumed on Tuesday after an exhumation order had been obtained.
The men were expected to appear in court on Monday.
- SAPA