Vandalism reigns at local cemeteries
Lack of security and lighting at these facilities, as well as theft and damage to property are some of the issues raised by residents.
Kwatsaduza – Residents in Kwatsaduza are concerned about the decaying state of gravesites.
Security fences, restrooms, municipal offices within the sites and tombstones are vandalised.
The offices are seemingly used as a hideout for drug addicts and criminals.
A concerned resident stated that it is impossible to relieve oneself when visiting the cemeteries.
In Duduza, at the Zamani Cemetery, the fence has been stolen leaving the graves exposed to the public.
Also read: KwaThema Cemetery offices vandalised
Resident Pastor Sipho Motong said criminals do as they please since the municipality doesn’t seem to care.
“Criminals are using these facilities to terrorise the public. We no longer feel safe to visit our loved ones buried in these sites and this issue isn’t something new but nothing is being done about it,” he said.
Residents said the municipality should provide security guards, install high mast lights and have a patrol team.
They are also pleading with local cattle herders to herd their livestock away from the gravesites.
At the Rockville Cemetery in Tsakani, children have turned the site into a soccer field.
One resident, Noma Nyamakazi, told African Reporter that while visiting the cemetery she witnessed with concern young boys vandalising the tombstones.
Also read: Metro gives answers on broken tombstones in cemetery
“I called them off but the following day when I went back they were playing at the site again. I complained to their parents who promised to call them off,” she said.
The Rest In Peace Cemetery in KwaThema is being used as a thoroughfare, with no security guards on the premises and no lights.
Community members have been victims of petty and serious crimes at this cemetery.
Comment has been requested from the City of Ekurhuleni and will be published once it has been received.
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