No respect for the dead
"People pay to have their loved ones laid to rest here," said a member of the public. "More should be done to ensure the safety and security of these memorials."
VRYHEID Cemetery has become a target for vandals again, as the memorial wall where ashes of the deceased are laid to rest by their loved ones has been horribly defaced.
The motive for the vandalism and destruction of memorial plaques, ashes and remains is currently unclear, but it is believed that those responsible struck last Sunday night or in the early hours of Monday morning.
A case was opened by the caretaker of the cemetery. It remains to be seen, however, if further investigation into the matter will be carried out.
Vryheid Neighbourhood Watch members have been patrolling the area vigilantly since this abhorrent and reprehensible act of destruction and blatant disrespect for the dead took place just short of two weeks ago, keeping a lookout for suspicious behaviour. In this time, several changes have been noted at the scene of the vandalised area, but it is unclear whether this is due to further criminal activity, or if it is merely due to family members of the deceased whose remains are laid to rest here collecting the ashes of their loved ones or repairing their memorial sites.
“People pay to have their loved ones laid to rest here,” said a member of the public. “More should be done to ensure the safety and security of these memorials.”
The question remains, however, was this the work of mere vandals or is there something more sinister to this heinous act?
