Benson Ntlemo

Benson Ntlemo

Two families at Lombard village are at each other's throats over a grave, after one family erected a tombstone to prepare for an unveiling ceremony.

The Bilankulu family is fuming after they found a tombstone erected on what they allege is the grave of their late mother, Emily, who died in 1991.

The tombstone was erected by another family in the village, who also believe the grave belongs to their relative.

The Mashaba family claim their relative, a wellknown community leader, was buried on the site after his death in 1992.

"When I saw the tombstone with a cloth around it, I thought one of my siblings had just bought it and wanted to surprise us," said Jabulani Mashaba.

But he discovered that the tombstone belonged to the Bilankulus, who thought the grave housed Khazamula Bilankulu, who died in 1991.

"But I know they have erected the tombstone on a wrong site," claimed Mashaba.

But Phineas Bilankulu was also unwavering.

"We put the tombstone on the grave of my brother who died in 1991 and we were preparing for the official unveiling when we were approached by Mashaba, who told us it was the grave of his mother," said Bilankulu.

He said they requested proof from Mashaba but there was none.

Bilankulu said the matter had been reported to the tribal office for a resolution.