Frustration over deteriorating conditions, vandalism and growing safety concerns has prompted residents of Soshanguve to take matters into their own hands at Block P cemetery.

Community organisers Matshediso Mtshweni, Busi Mabelane and Mandla Msimanga mobilised residents after alarming images circulated in January showing overgrown grass, burnt tyres on top of graves and illegal dumping at the cemeteries in Soshanguve.

“During January, one of the members in our ward group sent pictures from Crossing Cemetery and Block P, complaining about the state the graveyards were in.

“Soon after, videos started trending showing overgrown grass and tyres being burnt on top of graves,” said Mtshweni.

The trio then visited Block P Cemetery, where they discovered illegal dumping next to the graveyard.

With no fence in place, rubbish had begun spilling onto graves. They also learnt of a mentally disturbed individual allegedly vandalising graves and burning tyres, whom police were reportedly unable to arrest.

Mtshweni said residents expressed fear about visiting their loved ones’ graves due to safety concerns.

“The palisade fencing that used to be there has been removed, and the graveyard is no longer secure,” she said.

According to organisers, the decline over the last two years has been noticeable, with headstones reportedly being damaged, flower pots stolen, and residents robbed inside the cemetery.

She said Block P cemetery has also become a shortcut for people walking to work, school, shops or visiting friends, increasing security risks.

One resident, Grace Moeletsi, described her distress: “I have been looking for my family member’s grave, and I can’t find it because of this long grass, and I am scared to go to the other side to look for it because it is not safe here,” she said.

Another resident, Maletsatsi Mofokeng, said: “As residents, we must be the eyes of the municipality and work together to ensure that our communities end up where we want them to be.”

Mtshweni said they received support from the municipality and were informed that delays in appointing a service provider had affected cemetery maintenance.

The metro has committed to providing grass cutters, Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) workers and tree-cutting services during the clean-up.

“We need to take care of our own. Let’s not wait for the government but unite and care for each other. We are stronger together,” said Mtshweni.

PR councillor Sello Kumako said that the residents’ frustrations are understandable, and he acknowledged that the condition of Block P Cemetery reflects a gap in maintenance and safety oversight.

“Public spaces should never be left overgrown, unsafe or disrespectful to families visiting their loved ones,” he said, adding that the community’s decision to take action demonstrates the importance of civic involvement.

Kumako noted that cemeteries are meant to be maintained on a regular schedule by the municipality, but indicated that this has not consistently happened at Block P.

He said he would be seeking clarity on when the last official maintenance was conducted and what the current maintenance plan entails.

Regarding funding, Kumako explained that cemetery maintenance forms part of the municipal budget, and he intends to request a detailed breakdown of allocations for Ward 88 to ensure available resources are used effectively.

On safety concerns, including reports of vandalism, robberies and difficulty accessing graves due to overgrown grass, he said improved safety measures are necessary.

“Residents must feel safe when visiting their loved ones. Proper maintenance and security go hand in hand,” he said.

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