Police warn residents to be vigilant when visiting the cemetery during Easter
Police encourage residents to visit the graveyard in groups as it is safer to do so
The Rietgat police have warned residents to be cautious when visiting the cemetery in Soshanguve, block Y this Easter.
Spokesperson of Rietgat SAPS, Captain Stephen Maluleka said cases of robbery and carjacking at the cemetery were opened in the past years during the Easter period.
“Most people flock to the graveyard during this period and the station would like to urge the community to be more vigilant.”
Maluleka said robbers often targeted people who visited the graveyard to clean the graves of their loved ones or perform traditional rituals.
“Sometimes community members who also fall victims to these crimes are those who pass through the graveyard using it as a shortcut,” he said.
Maluleka encourage residents to visit the graveyard in groups as it was safer to do so.
“The police station would also like to assure community members that the area will be monitored throughout the 24 hours to get rid of the perpetrators taking advantage of law-abiding citizens.
Police urged residents to take note of the following:
– Do not leave valuable items on the seats of the car at the graveyard.
– Make sure you are in groups while visiting the graveyard.
– Do not visit the graveyard at night.
– Your vehicle shouldn’t be easily linked to you.
– Always stick to your plan, if you are there to remove weeds or perform rituals, focus on that and avoid moving around the graveyard.
– Always be vigilant and on high alert when passing through the graveyard, avoid chatting and focus on where you are going.
– Do not be too nice to strangers in the graveyard especially on days with no funerals or tombstone unveilings.
Maluleka said anyone with information that may lead to the arrest of these criminals should contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111, Rietgat SAPS on 071 675 6250 or Brigadier Maphoto on 082 455 8236.
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