Thieves break into Savimbi tomb

2008-01-22 21:15

Luanda - A gang of grave robbers has broken into the tomb of the late Angolan rebel leader Jonas Savimbi and stolen his epitaph, a spokesperson for his Unita party said on Tuesday.

The bronze plaque was among a number of items stolen from Savimbi's tomb in the town of Luena, in the eastern province of Moxico, where he was laid to rest after his death in February 2002, Unita spokesperson Jefenias Samondo said.

Savimbi was the founder and leader of the National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA) which fought a 27-year civil war with the government in Luanda.

His death effectively brought an end to the conflict, with his guerilla movement agreeing to lay down its weapons and become the official party of opposition.

Unita has long sought authorisation from the government to have Savimbi's remains reinterred in his birthplace in the province of Bie, but authorities have always declined the request, claiming "security reasons".

- SAPA