The metro warns residents and undertakers in the Zonkizizwe area to not use the illegal cemetery found in Magagula Heights.
The cemetery, which is situated in Magagula Street, is illegal, according to the metro’s Cemetery and Crematorium By-Laws and residents who choose to bury their loved ones in the facility are doing so illegally.
“It has come to our attention that some families are utilising the piece of land unlawfully, to bury their deceased loved ones,” said director of parks and cemeteries Victor Nesengani.
“This might seem like a cheap alternative for families, but it places them at risk as the graves are not protected by the municipality and anyone using the land might find themselves at risk of being arrested.”
Nesengani further stated that the remains of the deceased who have been illegally buried in this cemetery may have to be exhumed and reburied in one of the metro’s official cemeteries, which may prove costly to the residents.
The metro requests families that have recently buried family members in this cemetery to come forward with their details, in order to have their their loved ones removed and reburied, following the correct processes.
The community can contact Mafika Moloi on 011 391-2700 or Sanelisiwe Mongoai on 011 999-4650.
There are 19 active cemeteries throughout the metro and residents in this area are encouraged to rather use Cambrian Cemetery for first interments.
The metro also offers second and third interment burials as an alternative burial method, at a lesser rate, and these can be arranged in the Katlehong, Vosloorus, Thokoza, Eden Park or Palm Ridge cemeteries.
