With Father’s Day approaching, it is a tradition among some locals to visit the gravesites of their loved ones.
However, after a recent report of a knife attack and regular theft at the cemetery at the corner of Alexandra and Keate streets, some people are wary.

READ MORE HERE: Estcourt man robbed and assaulted during a visit to the cemetery

The man, who was attacked on Mother’s Day while visiting his mother’s gravesite, says he has become more vigilant and always goes with company to the cemetery. Fortunately no acts of violence have since been reported but the family has been victims of repeated thefts of flowers and pot plants and say it is bitterly disappointing that petty thieves are literally stealing from the dead.

“We spend hundreds of Rands on fresh flowers and vases, only to find that it is stolen the next day. Even when we planted a small tree, it was uprooted and taken. It’s hard to believe that people are stealing from graves and there are others who are buying it,” said one of the family members.

During a recent visit to the graveyard in the central business district, the family noticed that the grass was still long and there was no security guard present, despite these being promised by Inkosi Langalibalele Local Municipality.

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