Heritage Cases

The development was subjected to an HIA investigation in 2008. No indication of an occupational site was evident either above or below the ground at the site of the burial. Extensive excavations have been undertaken in the area and it seems like the was an isolated burial. The grave lies approximately 40cm under the present surface horizon. Much of the burial has been exposed and damaged by mechanical excavation of pipeline trenches. The developer followed the instructions contained in the HIA for such occurrences. The site has subsequently been visited by a heritage specialist together with the SAPS. It was determined through the position of the body and the burial techniques that this is most probably a brave of archaeological provenance and it is thought to be well over 100 years in age. At present the burial site has been cordoned off and construction within 50m of it has ceased. We are requesting an urgent rescue excavation permit for the removal of the remains from site as it is in danger of further damage and it is hampering construction in the area. The grave will be excavated by a qualified archaeologist under the management of a principal investigator accredited for grave relocations - Mr Anton Pelser. It is anticipated that the remains will be re-interned in a local graveyard in Mokopane by a registered funeral undertaker. As the burial is of obvious archaeological origin and there are no documented records of occupation in this area, it is not anticipated that retroactive social consultation will be necessary. This will however be at the discretion of the Graves and Burials Unit.