Vandals destroy tombstones in Standerton
The cost of fixing a fallen tombstone can range anywhere from R3 000 to R5 000.
The Standerton Concentration Camp graveyard has fallen victim to vandalism, with several graves spray-painted and broken.
According to a local tombstone restorer, the average cost of a tombstone can vary from R5 000 to R10 000, with granite tombstones costing much more.
In one instance, the statue of an angel on top of a tombstone has been shattered. A local tombstone restorer claims that this angel could cost R 7 000 to replace.
“The cost of repairing tombstones is extremely high,” said the restorer.
He explained that the cost of fixing a fallen tombstone can range anywhere from R3 000 to R5 000.
He shared the story of his late father’s tombstone, which contains a photo of his father and mother.
According to him, the photo has been stolen twice, leaving the frame fragmented on the grave.
“It is tragic to think that vandals have no respect for the dead and will not allow them to rest peacefully,” said the restorer.
According to him, this issue can be solved by replacing the current ineffective fencing around the graveyard with proper fencing which will not allow vandals to gain access easily.
