Residents of The Hwy Street are calling for more security measures to be implemented at the old Florida Park Cemetery.

The Roodepoort Record spoke to grave repairer Hector Roxmouth, and two residents who have been subjected to almost daily criminal activities, witnessing open drug dealings, vandalism and vagrants that have found a home in the cemetery.

Shareef Moses, a retired resident who has lived opposite the cemetery for over 28 years, said security is still a concern, and they wish something could be done.

“We have seen everything in this cemetery, from vagrancy, prostitution, to criminal activities,” he said.

He said they’ve had this problem for the past eight years, and they believe that heritage sites containing the history of families should still be protected regardless of whether they are old or not.

“The vagrants, if they are not destroying graves, are fighting among themselves and leaving faeces everywhere. One of the worst incidents that we’ve had was when two vagrants were beating each other over accommodation, and they set the guard house alight. I had to use a hosepipe from my house to try to extinguish the fire,” he said, adding that there are still visits happening at the cemetery.

“We still see visits here during Easter, Christmas, Mother’s Day and Father’s Day,” he said.

Michelle Masuku from an early childhood development centre in the street said she usually sees fights, suspicious cars, and fires inside the cemetery. She also agreed that security around the cemetery is much needed.

Roxmouth said the graves are being destroyed much quicker than he repairs them.

“It’s sad because I’m passionate about preserving the history of families. We would appreciate it if there could be security guards and fencing all around,” he said.

Jenny Moodley, the spokesperson at Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo (JCPZ), said they are aware of the challenges within the cemetery, and while they do not have private or dedicated security personnel stationed at the cemetery, park rangers based in Florida Park conduct random patrols of both parks and cemeteries across the city.

She said all cemeteries are regarded as valuable heritage sites, and JCPZ continues to monitor and manage the city’s 38 cemeteries to preserve their dignity and cultural significance, but the entity does not have a dedicated budget to provide round-the-clock security at every site.

“JCPZ’s core functions are horticulture, arboriculture, and ecological preservation. Some cemeteries and parks are vast in size, making continuous patrolling by large security contingents in three daily shifts financially unfeasible. Resources are therefore prioritised to balance preservation, maintenance, and safety across all facilities.

“Experience has also shown that high fencing alone does not guarantee safer spaces. As part of a long-term safety strategy, JCPZ encourages families to consider reopening existing graves for the interment of other family members and to make regular visits to gravesites. Increased foot traffic and community presence act as a stronger deterrent to opportunistic crime.”

Moodley encouraged residents or organisations interested in forming such partnerships with JCPZ when it comes to security. To discuss possible collaborations, residents should contact Bohlale Mohlathe on 011 712 6600 or bmohlathe@jhbcityparks.com.