Families left with bare graves and no money speak out after years of deception as they continue to scramble for answers and ultimately justice
By: Abigail Visagie
Dozens of grieving families in Mangaung have been left heartbroken and financially drained after a local tombstone supplier allegedly van ished with their money – leaving them not only out of pocket but emotionally shattered. Michelle Jacobs, accused of posing as a legitimate business owner of Tombstone Retailers in Bloemfon tein, has allegedly vanished with over R111 500 paid by various bereaved families - something she denies after being tracked down by this publication. She instead shifted the blame to the new tenant. It is alleged that Jacobs accepted payments for tombstones that were never delivered, while others received the wrong orders. Her disappearance has left many families unable to properly honour their loved ones, while scrambling for answers and justice. Moretimang Malope fell in love with the tomb stone design she saw in the catalogue Jacobs’ company posted online. She claims Tombstone Re tailers – which was still owned by Jacobs at the time - scammed her out of R37 500. Malope’s husband passed away in 2010 and she says she had set that amount aside to honour her late husband’s memory. According to her, communi cation with Tombstone retailers gradually began to fade after making full payment in May last year. When she followed the matter up, she was assured that the business was operating as usual and that her late husband’s tombstone would be erected soon. “A month later, the company visited my husband’s grave and began the work, but they left without completing it. They promised to return and finish the job, but never did,” a distressed Malope told Journal News.
Families with bare graves and no money - speak out after years of deception as they scramble for answers and justice
She explained that despite numerous verbal and written requests to demand a refund from Jacobs, no action was taken. Eventually, Jacobs vanished without a trace. Malope claims she was shockingly turned away when she attempted to open a case at the police station. “I was told I couldn’t open a case because I had willingly given the money to Tombstone Retailers. According to the police, Jacobs, through her compa ny, didn’t steal the money from me,” said Malope. Upon investigating the matter further, Journal News discovered that there are several other alleged victims with similar complaints. They all claim to have been deprived of justice when they sought police intervention. It is further alleged that Tombstone Retailers would either deliver incorrect tombstone orders or fail to rectify defective erections. The company would allegedly cancel contracts without issuing any refunds to customers. Another alleged victim is Pulane Dikgoele from Thaba Nchu, which is 63 km east of Bloemfontein. She claims to have paid R74 000 to Tombstone Retailers for memorial tombstones for the graves of four of her family members. Despite completing the full payment over a set 12-month period, Dikgoele also claims was defraud ed as she only received a poor-quality tombstone - with no delivery or installation as promised. According to her, the day before the planned tombstone unveiling, Jacobs and her company’s receptionist – only known as Hilda - informed her that the contract had been astonishingly cancelled. Dikgoele told this newspaper that they subsequently accused her of threatening company staff - claims Dikgoele strongly denies. “Tombstone Retailers gave me the run-around for the longest time. The owner disappeared with my R74 000. I’m heartbroken because I had planned to honour my family by erecting tombstones for them, but this has only brought me more pain. I want jus tice and my money back (sic),” said Dikgoele. Journal News is in possession of a copy of the ter mination letter, allegedly sent to Dikgoele on 28 Feb ruary 2025. The unsigned letter cites alleged threats made by Dikgoele towards company employees as the reason for terminating the contract. “The customer threatened our workers, telling them they will spill fuel on them and burn them to death. Our workers doesn’t feel save leaving for Thaba Nchu to do the installations as they were threatened and are afraid of their lives (sic),” an excerpt in the letter reads. Dikgoele vehemently refutes the claims, affirming that the company cancelled the promised free instal lation unilaterally, while failing to deliver the correct tombstones order. She further disclosed that the only refund she received was half of the transpor tation cost for the incorrect tombstones that were sent to Thaba Nchu. “The accusations that I threatened workers are fabrications meant to cover up the fact that they failed to deliver on their promises,” she insists. “In the letter sent to me, Jacobs clearly stated that installation and the transportation of the incorrect tombstones would be free. Yet, I had to cover the cost and pay the delivery person who assisted with the transport. Only R1 500 – half of the cost – was refunded from that expense,” she added. Upon visiting the premises where Tombstone Retailers is supposedly located, Journal News dis covered that the property had a new tenant in Keke Mabule, who also runs his tombstone business from the premises. When asked about his connection to Jacobs, Mabule explained that Jacobs and her company had moved out of the premises, citing business-related stress. “I am currently renting the premises, and I must say it has been difficult to run my business here, because many people assume I am in partnership with the previous owner (Jacobs). “In our last conversation, she told me she was closing shop due to a divorce and could no longer work late nights with her children, as it had become unsafe. “My business is suffering because of the ongoing issues involving Tombstone Retailers,” said Mabule who further revealed that the police had also pre viously visited the premises to specifically enquire about Jacobs and her business. This publication managed to get hold of Michelle Jacobs contact numbers and tried to reach out to her for comment for three weeks with no success. She surprisingly responded to questions that were sent out to her by text on WhatsApp two days prior to the publication of this article. In her response, Jacobs denied all accusations levelled against her by her former clients further stating that her Mabule had agreed that the latter would settle all outstanding matters in relation to her clients upon concluding the sale of her business. “This is not true at all. The company was sold to the new owner, and it was agreed that he would settle matters with the clients, including paying a labour fee and using the materials that were already available,” Jacobs said in a WhatsApp message. She claims to have sold her tombstone business to Mabule for R450 000 but declares that she only received R10 000 from him. According to Jacobs, Mabule failed to honour the sale agreement as well as the outstanding obliga tions to clients. “He agreed during our meeting that he would take responsibility for the clients. My genuine concern was ensuring that my clients were looked after and didn’t encounter any problems - I had built relation ships with all of them. “I never took anyone’s money. I had already sourced all the materials, which were at the compa ny premises. The new owner, who was supposed to pay me and assist the clients with their tombstones, failed to do both. Neither the clients received ser vice, nor did I receive my money,” claimed Jacobs. In response to this Jacobs’ narrative, Mabule questioned why Jacobs would be avoiding her clients and the police if she was truly innocent. “I only bought machinery from Jacobs — nothing more. I never received any money from her clients,” he stated. Mabule confirmed that he has a written contract with Jacobs outlining their business arrangement and noted that Tombstone Retailers is still officially registered under her name. According to Mabule, Jacobs is not only evading her former clients but also her former employ ees who have since taken matters to the CCMA. He claims that employees have opened a case of non-payment against Jacobs and that authorities have since ordered the machinery she sold him to be sold off to compensate the workers. “I almost lost my machines because of her, but that didn’t happen. I now officially own them. I have a clear conscience. I’m still running a reputable, reliable businesses. If Jacobs can say the same, she should face her disgruntled clients, former employ ees, and the police,” Mabule concluded. While clients bemoan lack of service and poor workmanship, Jacobs and Mabule seem to be stuck in their own business dealing fracas. Nevertheless, Jacobs has committed to resolving all outstanding matters with all aggrieved clients who are in possession of the necessary documen tation. She further undertook to revert to Journal News on Tuesday morning in relation to this matter.
Although South Africa is ready for a female president, financial resources and difficulties limit women to challenge the position.
ANC veteran and member of the National Executive Committee (NEC), Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, said there was no reason for the country not to have a woman president.
She said while the number of women serving as heads of State in Africa remains a minority, several women have excelled in these roles, demonstrating strong leadership and positive impact.
The former chairperson of the African Union (AU) executive council members, said this record is evident in countries such as Liberia and Namibia.
Elle Johnson Sirleaf was the first female head of State in Africa, after she was elected as the President of Liberia from 2006 to 2017.
She was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2011 for her work in promoting peace, democracy and women’s rights.
Her presidency was marked by efforts to rebuild Liberia after years of civil war, including debt relief and economic development and she also focused on promoting education and women’s empowerment.
Nicknamed NNN, Ndemupelila Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah was the first woman elected as Namibia’s President on March 21, 2025.
“There is no reason why we shouldn’t have a woman president. We have seen that Liberia did well when a woman was in charge. In Namibia it is still early but we can see that she is doing well and the decisions she is taking are very decisive and Pan-Africanist. I like her decisions and I think she will do well for Namibia,” said Dlamini-Zuma.
Dlamini-Zuma also contested to become the ANC president in 2017. However, she lost the battle to businessman-turned-politician Cyril Ramaphosa who won 2,440 against her 2,261 votes during the ANC elective conference conference in Nasrec, Johannesburg.
She said although nothing prevents women from becoming president, financial challenges limit them to compete for such positions. She added that this is because it is difficult for women to access financial resources.
“Women don’t have money and men are able to use money to get to these positions. But there is no country that doesn’t have capable women,’’ she said, adding that South Africa is ready for a woman president.
Political analyst Professor Sipho Seepe said Dlamini-Zuma is correct, adding that money assumed the centre stage in the ANC’s presidential contest.
He said both Black and White businesses threw their weight behind Ramaphosa to ensure that Dlamini-Zuma did not emerge as the winner.
“Again, typical of the corrupting nature and possible corrupt nature of the financial support Ramaphosa received, the whole matter had to be sealed from the public. Unlike Ramaphosa, who had to hurriedly rush to the courts, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma has had no objection to the investigation being done as to where she received support.”
Another political analyst, Professor Siphamandla Zondi, said it is a known fact that patriarchy is a generalised condition of South African society and political parties exhibit it. He said this expresses itself in many ways including in equal access to essential resources and assets.
“Challenging the presidency of the ANC requires resources and these resources are mostly in the hands of men who support other men more than women. This gives a strong man an advantage over a strong woman contender,’’ he said.
He said that patriarchy also gives advantage to men, providing a perception that they are more competent, stronger and leader-like than women.
Dlamini-Zuma said that South Africa should also look up to countries such as Rwanda, which is the first to have more than 60% women representation in parliament, adding that even though the ANC advocates for 50/50 representation, other political parties are not adhering to the policy, which brought the number to 46% in parliament.
Dlamini-Zuma added that although women hold 50% of all leadership positions within the ANC, the percentage is not equal in the top positions.
*This article was first published by IOL News
Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources, Gwede Mantashe, has denounced the scourge of illegal mining across South Africa, which he said is dominated by foreign nationals.
IOL reported on Tuesday that as 494 illegal miners who were arrested after resurfacing in Mpumalanga appeared before the Barberton Magistrate’s Court in Mpumalanga, an additional 24 also surfaced at the Sheba Mine.
The suspects, who appeared in groups of 50 in the dock, face charges of trespassing, possession of gold-bearing materials, and the contravention of the Immigration Act.
The arrests stem as a result of the South African Police Service’s (SAPS) national Operation Vala Umgodi, which tackles the scourge of illegal mining within the borders of South Africa.
The suspects arrested in Mpumalanga are foreign nationals from eSwatini and Mozambique, and include minors.
On Wednesday, Mantashe clarified that his department has started the process of issuing licences to artisanal and small-scale miners. However, the minister pointed out that these are not illegal miners colloquially referred to as zama-zamas.
“We have started the programme of artisanal and small-scale miners. We have issued the first 21 licences and we are going to be systematic about it. This is not formalising illegal mining. It’s actually giving opportunity to entrepreneurs who want to enter into mining, and we are going to continue doing that.
The minister said it would be “a fatal mistake” to counterpose artisanal mining to illegal mining.
“If you look into illegal mining, it is not dominated by South African citizens. It is mainly dominated by citizens from neighbouring countries; therefore it means it’s an issue of external forces attacking South Africa’s economy. That should be dealt with separately from artisanal mining,” said Mantashe, who is also chairperson of the African National Congress (ANC).
“I am not going to give artisanal mining licences to Mozambicans, Lesotho citizens or Zimbabweans who dominate this space. I am going to give those licences to South Africans who want to be entrepreneurs in mining."
Earlier this year, Mantashe called for a stronger and more focused approach to combat illegal mining, emphasising its harmful impact on the economy and its criminal nature.
During a visit to the Stilfontein mine in North West this week, Mantashe joined a delegation of ministers, including Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, to monitor an operation to bring illegal miners to the surface.
Mantashe said the criminal aspect of illegal mining is the responsibility of the police.
“Because there is illegal mining, this is a crime scene. Once a decision is taken to start a rescue operation, I must liaise with the mine rescue service, I must talk to the Mineral Council and talk the owner of the operation.''
Mantashe, who has consistently voiced concerns about illegal mining, made it clear that the fight against this activity must be stepped up.
“The reality of the matter is that I have not changed my view that illegal mining is a criminal activity. What will never shift to me is the way we deal with illegal mining. It should be intensifying the fight against illegal mining,” Mantashe said at the time.
*This article was first published by IOL News
A fire broke out at Thuto-Lefa Secondary School in Munsieville, Krugersdorp, on Wednesday, linked to disgruntled learners.
A fire broke out at Thuto-Lefa Secondary School in Munsieville, Krugersdorp, on Wednesday, destroying two mobile classrooms.
The Gauteng Department of Education said the fire broke out on school premises on Wednesday afternoon.
“It is alleged that the incident may be linked to learner dissatisfaction with recent timetable changes introduced by the school,” said Steve Mabona, spokesperson for the Gauteng Department of Education.
“The objective of this adjustment is to ensure the completion of the academic syllabus and to provide adequate revision time ahead of upcoming preliminary examinations.”
He said police are investigating the circumstances surrounding this incident. Subsequently, five learners, four learners in Grade 10 and one in Grade 9 were arrested.
“It is deeply concerning that opposition to academic planning may have been expressed through such a destructive act,” said Mabona.
Meanwhile, Gauteng Education MEC, Matome Chiloane, has strongly condemned the incident.
“Burning a classroom is not a form of protest, it is a criminal act that robs learners of their right to quality education. We will not tolerate such destructive behaviour, and those responsible must face the full consequences of the law,” said Chiloane.
The Gauteng Department of Education said it will work with the school and relevant stakeholders to ensure that learning continues with minimal disruption.
Officials will assess the damage and implement immediate interventions, including the possible deployment of temporary infrastructure.
“The department will not hesitate to act decisively in defence of the schooling environment. We urge learners, communities, parents, and learners to work together with school leadership and authorities to preserve the integrity of our schools,” said Chiloane.
*This article was first published by IOL News
A 36-year-old man was stabbed to death in Polokwane CBD during a heated argument over a shopping trolley.
Police in Polokwane have launched an intensive manhunt for a murder suspect, following the brutal killing of a 36-year-old man.
The murder happened in Polokwane CBD, along Church Street, on Wednesday.
“Police were summoned to the scene of the crime in front of a supermarket in Polokwane. Upon their arrival, they found a male victim in a pool of blood with a stab wound,” said Limpopo provincial police spokesperson, Colonel Malesela Ledwaba.
Emergency medical services personnel were called to the scene, and the victim was pronounced dead.
“The preliminary report indicates that the victim and the suspect engaged in a heated argument over a trolley. The fight turned deadly in the process, and the victim was stabbed with a sharp object on his upper body and fell on the tarred road,” said Ledwaba.
The deceased man has not yet been identified. Ledwaba said investigations are still underway.
“Police are requesting anyone with information that could lead to the suspect's arrest to contact Detective Sergeant Petrus Monama at 083 338 3892, Crime Stop at 08600 10111, or the MySAPSApp,” Ledwaba appealed.
Last week, IOL reported that two suspects, aged 43 and 32, were arrested by the police in Limpopo for the brutal murder of a mother aged 34 and her two-year-old daughter.
The woman and her daughter went missing on 19 May, sparking an extensive investigation by the police at Thohoyandou, Vhembe District, joined by the provincial team of investigators dealing with missing persons’ cases.
“On Wednesday, a task team comprising SAPS Thohoyandou intervention team, Thohoyandou detectives, and provincial missing persons team followed a credible lead which led to the discovery of the body of the mother and her daughter,” said Colonel Malesela Ledwaba, provincial police spokesperson.
“As a result of this gruesome discovery, two suspects were linked to the incident and were immediately arrested. During the process, it was also discovered that the bodies were without heads.”
Police also established that one of the suspects is alleged to be the boyfriend of the deceased.
*This article was first published by IOL News
Photo by: Pexels.com
Katlego Molepo was denied bail for a second time on Tuesday by the Atteridgeville Magistrates Court, where he faces charges of the theft of critical infrastructure.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has revealed that the buyer of the R7 million transformer stolen from the Laudium substation was previously involved in a fraud matter of more than R1 million.
Katlego Molepo was denied bail for a second time on Tuesday by the Atteridgeville Magistrate's Court, where he faces charges of theft of critical infrastructure.
He is accused of buying the transformer from four Tshwane municipal workers, who are also arrested and face the same charge. However, he is the only one who was denied bail.
In court, Molepo fell to the ground, breaking out in a sweat and hyperventilating when the magistrate denied his second attempt to be released on bail.
The State argued that he knew he was buying a stolen transformer because he paid for it with a private account. They opposed his bail and added that this was his second offence.
In a written statement to EWN, the NPA confirmed that from 2020 to 2021, Molepo defrauded the Department of Labour by fraudulently claiming money through the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF).
They added that on separate occasions, he claimed more than R250,000, R1 million, and more than R100,000.
He was sentenced to five years direct imprisonment or a fine of R40,000.
*This article was first published by Eye Witness News
