Swartland Municipality confirms that human remains were discovered on 30 March 2026 during construction work along Cemetery Road in Chatsworth.
Work in the affected area was immediately halted, the site was secured and cordoned off, and the South African Police Service (SAPS) was notified. SAPS and forensic pathology services attended the site and confirmed that the remains are not linked to any criminal matter.
An independent heritage specialist from ASHA Consulting conducted a site inspection on 10 April 2026. The report found that the remains were discovered out of their original context, with no clear evidence of intact graves at the excavation site. It further concluded that the remains are most likely associated with the nearby municipal cemetery and may have been disturbed historically.
Heritage Western Cape has confirmed that the remains are not archaeological in terms of the National Heritage Resources Act. As the cemetery is under municipal control, the matter is being managed in accordance with the Swartland Municipality Cemetery By-Laws.
The Municipality is implementing measures aligned with the specialist’s recommendations, including the careful recovery of any remains, monitoring of further excavation by a qualified specialist, and the respectful reinterment of remains within the municipal cemetery.
Swartland Municipality recognises the sensitivity of this matter and remains committed to ensuring that it is handled with dignity, respect, and full compliance with applicable legislation.
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