EKURHULENI Metropolitan Municipality will apply stringent measures in an effort to bring an end to the ongoing acts of vandalism to property within its cemeteries.
Hundreds of graves have been damaged throughout the metro, with some headstones being pushed over and sentimental ornaments and valuables being stolen for illegal trade in the informal market, Themba Gadebe, metro spokesman, said.
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“This behaviour by unscrupulous individuals leaves grieving families with immeasurable emotional and financial stress. Therefore, as the municipality, we strongly condemn these criminal acts and caution culprits that they will not be tolerated.”
Perpetrators of these crimes will be subject to pay either a fine of up to R2 000 or serve six months in jail.
Meanwhile, the affected families will be within their rights, as guided by the approved cemetery by-laws, to claim for repair expenses from the identified vandals.
Residents are urged to keep an eye out for vandals and to report any suspicious activity to Sanelisiwe Mongoai on 011-999-4090 or email Sanelisiwe.Mongoai@ekurhuleni.gov.za, or alternatively report the criminal activities directly to the police.
