Two more burial sites have been discovered in Kimberley, the South African Broadcasting Corporation reported on Thursday.
The finding comes after last May’s discovery of 180 unmarked graves in the city.
The area where the graves were found is north of the city centre and developers and archaeologists are divided as to what should be done about the matter.
Archaeologists say that more than 5 000 graves could be lying in the area. Subsequent to that, they say, the area should be preserved.
”We are hoping to have this particular part of town, which is the earliest black burial ground, be declared a heritage area so that if there is any development planned in the future one should have an impact assessment beforehand and monitoring the development in progress,” said David Morris, the head of archaeology at the McGregor museum.
Tom Pillay, a developer, is worried. He found four shallow graves with human remains in April while building a shop.
The opening was then delayed by two months.
”Now I need to know what the way forward is because I’ve got to pay these people that I’ve contracted to work for me,” he said.
The burial sites are believed to be a forgotten graveyard dating back to the 1870s and could provide insight into the early history of black migrant workers in the Diamond City.
A 60-day period has been given for public input. — Sapa