Families distressed over vandalism at Vuzimuzi cemetery

What was meant to be a peaceful Easter visit to honour loved ones turned into heartbreak for Kedibone Madigoe and her family after they discovered their grandmother’s tombstone vandalised at the Vuzimuzi cemetery in Thembisa on April 6.

According to the family, several tombstones at the cemetery have been damaged, while rubbish and dirty water continue to accumulate around gravesites.

Madigoe described the cemetery as having become both a dumping site and a hotspot for criminal activity, allegedly linked to some residents living near the graveyard.

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“It hurts my family so much. People living there throw rubbish and dirty water on our loved ones’ graves. Where is the respect?” said Madigoe.

During a visit to the cemetery with Madigoe’s aunt, Messi Caroline Manamela, The Thembisan found broken tombstones, foul odours, stagnant and running water, and large piles of rubbish scattered throughout the cemetery.

Manamela said both the Vuzimuzi and Enhlanzeni cemeteries have long suffered from neglect, claiming the municipality does not adequately maintain the sites.

She added that both her mother’s and husband’s tombstones had been damaged and that despite reporting the matter to the Kempton Park customer care centre, no meaningful action followed.

“It is so painful because the municipality chose these cemeteries for us, but they do not bother helping us ensure our loved ones’ resting places are maintained and protected,” said Manamela.

The family said the deteriorating condition of the cemetery has caused them ongoing distress and expressed a wish for the municipality to assist in relocating their loved ones to better-maintained cemeteries.

The City of Ekurhuleni acknowledged that vandalism of public facilities and illegal dumping remain major challenges and encouraged residents to report incidents to law enforcement authorities.

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City spokesperson Zweli Dlamini said the budget allocated for the maintenance of cemeteries across the city is limited and added that the municipality is not liable for damage to or theft of memorial structures.

Dlamini further stated that communication regarding timelines for repairs to damaged fencing at the cemetery would be shared once available.

Residents wishing to report cemetery-related complaints can do so via email at Iris.Mbele@ekurhuleni.gov.za or at any customer care centre.