Another tombstone stolen
The city also acknowledges the challenges in combating criminal activities within cemeteries.
The Modupe family was horrified to find a portion of the tombstone laid in honour of their father, stolen.
The family made the disturbing discovery when they visited the Brakpan Cemetery on October 28.
“It is heartbreaking because we saved money and planned for years to give him this tombstone. Where is the security when things like this happen?” said Mpho Modupe.
He believes the people who stole the granite slab were well-equipped.
“The slab was reinforced with cement and concrete. These people must have had time to detach it,” he added.
The City of Ekurhuleni (CoE) said it is aware of the current lack of active security at the Brakpan Cemetery.
“This has been primarily due to the city’s financial constraints, which the organisation is actively addressing.
“In response, the city requested a security assessment by the EMPD to explore feasible solutions within the limited resources,” explained Zweli Dlamini, the CoE spokesperson.
The city also acknowledges the challenges in combating criminal activities within cemeteries.
“These areas are public spaces that. Due to their expansive and open nature, they present difficulties in constant monitoring.
“The forthcoming security assessment by the EMPD will assist in determining the appropriate levels of security required to safeguard the cemetery.
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“The city is committed to actively exploring and implementing ways to enhance the security and safety of cemeteries for the benefit of the community and the sanctity of the spaces we manage,” added Dlamini.
He said the city is cognisant of the distress the damage done to the tombstone may have caused the family.
“However, per Chapter 7 of the Cemetery and Crematorium By-Laws, the municipality cannot offer compensation for such losses.
“In this regard, the city is committed to supporting the community in safeguarding these memorial sites and encourages the public’s cooperation in reporting suspicious activities,” he said.
