Police begin digging up graves of cult members

SABCNews.com/June 24, 2003

Police have begun digging up the graves of suspected cult members whose bodies are believed to have been buried secretly in eight shallow graves outside Umtata in the Eastern Cape.

One body wrapped in a blanket has been exhumed so far. Police had to subdue a crowd that had gathered to see what was going on.

Yesterday, 15 suspects appeared in court in connection with the incident. Police believe they dug the graves. The suspects were granted bail of R300 each. All concerned are thought to be members of a sect who believe that Jesus is coming to fetch them soon.

Police said yesterday they believed a woman to be the leader of the Cult and that she could help them with their investigations. A psychologist working in cooperation with the police was flown in from Pretoria to examine the accused.