Cave 'graves' to be inspected

2003-01-08 21:38

Liela Magnus

Pretoria - Police are to use dogs to try and determine whether there are any human remains buried under rocks in a cave outside Pretoria.

The cave, where "graves", candles around a hole female underwear was found, is said to be ideal for occult activities.

But occult co-ordinator of the police, Inspector Dewald Grobler, says despite the fact that the cave is obviously used often, they have found no symbols or signs which point to such activities.

Mike Dutton discovered the cave, consisting of two chambers, about three months ago. There are bats in the one and the other can only be reached through a narrow tunnel.

It was at this entrance that Dutton discovered female underwear and two piles of stones that looked like graves.

Deeper into the cave, a hole had been dug that was surrounded by candles.

Grobler said the candles had been removed when police visited the cave.

"There is definitely human activity in the cave," he said.

He also analysed photos taken in the cave.

Grobler said the "stone graves" could be anything. The candles would have been placed in a pattern if it had anything to do with the occult.

"One always has to strike a balance and first look for logical answers before one looks to the supernatural," he said.

The Constitution stipulates that satanism and occult religions as such are not illegal. However, should a crime be committed where these religions are involved, police will investigate the matter.

"The only law that might have been broken is the fact that people gathered in the cave without permits," Grobler said.

He said police dogs would be sent into the cave to determine whether there were human remains under the rocks.

Norman Geldenhuys, president of the Pagan Federation of South Africa, said a Wiccan would not practise rituals in a cave.

"We don't work underground and never in caves. It is against our principles," he said. Send e-mail to reporter

- Beeld