Bredell Cemetery in disrepair as residents plead for dignity
Residents cry for help as a place where they buried their loved ones is not in good condition.
Residents of Bredell and those with loved ones buried at Bredell Cemetery are calling for urgent intervention and respect for the last resting place of their family members.
The cemetery has fallen into a state of neglect, with overgrown grass, rubble, and signs of severe vandalism, leaving families heartbroken and frustrated.
Annette Day, a resident with close ties to the cemetery, shared her distress under the current conditions.
“We buried our two sons at Bredell Cemetery, as you enter the gate.
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“Next to their graves is building rubble, lying there for five years.
“The grass is so long, we cannot see the graves,” she said.
“This is not the first time this issue has come up; it made headlines some time ago. The municipality made promises, but nothing has changed since then.”
One of the most disturbing developments has been the destruction of the Wall of Remembrance.
Urns have been smashed, plaques destroyed, and ashes of loved ones scattered on the ground, a heart-breaking blow to families who now feel they have no place to honour or remember their departed.
Ward Clr Marinda Beukes expressed deep concern and condemned the ongoing deterioration.
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“The DA condemns the senseless act of vandalism at the Bredell Cemetery in Kempton Park, which left the Wall of Remembrance damaged and ashes scattered,” she said.
“This heinous act is a heart-breaking violation of a sacred space meant for mourning and reflection. The DA remains committed to holding the city accountable and ensuring our cemeteries are places of dignity and respect.”
The cemetery also suffered theft and destruction of infrastructure. Vandalism has occurred in the toilets, lights and the gate rail stolen and there is a lack of security personnel.
Residents believe many of these issues could have been prevented if there were security guards at the site,
Despite the numerous complaints and appeals for assistance, there has been little to no response from the authorities.
Kempton Express reached out to the City of Ekurhuleni on March 27 for comment but received no feedback at the time of publication
