Mamelodi West graveyard a hideout for criminals
Mamelodi West cemetery has been turned into an illegal dumping side which is attracting criminals, locals claim.
The Tshwane municipality said it was looking into local residents’ complaints that a cemetery in Mamelodi West section B3 has been turned into an illegal dumping site, and has also become a crime hotspot.
“Illegal dumping is sadly a city-wide problem and dumping at this specific location had been brought to our attention,” said Metro spokesperson Lindela Mashigo.
“Our team of officials visited the cemetery but could not see any sign that indicates that drugs users hang out around the cemetery.
“However, we will monitor the area to see whether we can identify any culprits.”
Although they were aware of the problem, the metro had yet to receive a formal complaint about illegal dumping sites near the cemetery.
“We, therefore, urge residents to report any illegal dumping activity to our mini-munitoria offices located on Ledwaba Street near Denneboom station.
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“We are responsible for cleaning the cemetery and there is a security officer during the day and one at night.”
This week a concerned resident who lives next to the graveyard raised his concerns about the illegal activities taking place at the cemetery.
Resident Eric Shikobela told Rekord it was disrespectful how the cemetery has been turned into an illegal dumping side and a crime hotspot.
“It is a place where our forefathers and our loved ones rest,” said Shikobela.
“But nowadays all you hear about cemeteries are endless complaints.
“Our cemeteries have been turned into a illegal dumping sites. As far as I can tell, this one has about five spots where people illegally dump their rubbish.”
He said not having enough security guards at the cemetery was a big problem.
“It also needs a fence to stop any theft and vandalism.”
Nearby residents also complained about the bad smell originating from the cemetery in addition to mosquitoes, flies and most recently snakes making a home at the cemetery.
“We can’t even open our windows,” Shikobela said.
“That’s how bad things have become.
“It’s obvious that some residents from section F dump their waste in the cemetery. It’s so disturbing that you will sometimes see adults dumping their rubbish there in broad daylight for everyone to see as if they are doing nothing wrong.”
Shikobela said these are the same people who are supposed to teach the young ones to respect and honour their elders who are buried at the cemetery.
Earlier this year, a Mamelodi family complained about vandalism at their mother’s grave.
Patricia Ringani (48) from Mamelodi East, extension 6, said she went to visit her mother’s grave only to find the grave was vandalised again.
Ringani said this was the second time the artificial grass carpet was stolen. The family also discovered the steel name board was stolen.
“The first artificial carpet was stolen in March 2020 and the person who stole the mat actually ripped it off the grave,” said Ringani.
The matter was immediately reported to the security guards at Heatherly cemetery.
Shikobela pleaded with the metro to fix the fence and impose heavy fines on anyone who dumped their rubbish there.
He also pleaded for more police visibility near the cemetery, especially in the early hours of the morning and after 18:00.
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