It’s all hands on deck as the City of Ekurhuleni attends to the grass-cutting backlog at cemeteries throughout the region.
This will come as a relief to visitors of the Brakpan Cemetery, where grass-cutting has finally commenced.
As reported in the Brakpan Herald’s March 10 edition, overgrown grass and tall weeds were making it almost impossible for people to locate the gravesites of loved ones at the cemetery.
The overall unkempt condition of the cemetery had residents feeling fearful and many questioned when it will be safe to visit again.
Some residents were concerned about being bitten by spiders or snakes concealed in the long grass.
Another concern was thieves reportedly using the cemetery as a place to stash stolen belongings.
The loot is allegedly tucked away in the long grass until it is safe for the criminals to return for the goods and cash in on their lawlessness.
A visit to the cemetery by the Herald also revealed unsavoury characters frequent the graveyard as the buildings on the property have fallen victim to vandals and thieves.
The structures have either been stripped of bricks and other valuable materials or defaced with graffiti. Rubbish and the remains of fires also indicated vagrants may be living in the cemetery.
Tombstones have also been desecrated, disturbing the sanctity of the departed.
“Work will continue in earnest until the grass is cut in all the active cemeteries in Ekurhuleni,” said City of Ekurhuleni spokesperson Zweli Dlamini.
“The city appeals for patience while work continues at the cemeteries and on the pavements.”
