Shocking images of gravediggers fast asleep on people’s tombstones have caused outrage over insults to mourning families and their dead.

One photograph – taken at a South African cemetery – apparently shows one gravedigger fast asleep on a marble slab on top of a grave.

A second snap shows another worker wearing orange hi-vis trousers stretched out on a grave while two colleagues perch on the side.

The photos were taken in Msunduzi Municipality, in the province of KwaZulu-Natal, where city leaders have described them as “disturbing”.

Local traditional healers have warned that the workers may even face curses from beyond the grave for their disrespect.

Newsflash obtained a statement from the Msunduzi Municipality on 21st February, saying: “Msunduzi has been made aware of the disturbing photographs where employees are seen sleeping and sitting on top of the graves.

“Such unacceptable behaviour is condemned with the contempt it deserves.

“The Municipality will not condone such behaviour and can confirm that processes are in place for the implicated employees to be charged for misconduct and for putting the municipality into disrepute.

“People hold graveyards and gemstones in very high regard the spiritual places where they honour loved ones’ memories.

“The City Manager has ordered an investigation to be conducted as soon as possible.”

Traditional healer Sazi Mhlongo told local media: “In the Zulu culture people respect graves and aren’t even allowed to put their feet on top of them for the respect of the departed and their families.

“They also invite bad spirits. A person who sits or sleeps on these graves might end up with curses.”

The people in the photographs had not been named at the time of writing.

The City Manager, named as Lulamile Mapholoba in local media, is investigating the incident.