Historic graves vandalised and neglected at Roodepoort cemetery

Roodepoort’s old historic cemetery, with some graves dating back to 1908, has fallen into disarray.

There’s currently no security, graves are sunken in, headstones are broken, vagrants have taken over, and there have been reports of theft and vandalism.

According to Hector Roxmouth, a concerned resident, a disturbing incident happened on October 31, where he spotted three men between the ages of 20 and 25, allegedly under the influence of alcohol, vandalising the cemetery.

He says the suspects were breaking and destroying the headstones, further desecrating the already neglected burial ground.

“I have voluntarily dedicated myself for five years to repairing and fixing graves across Roodepoort. I spotted these guys when I was doing my rounds to check the situation at the cemetery.

“They seemed to be under the influence of alcohol, and when I approached them, they ran away immediately,” says Roxmouth.

Roxmouth says he is doing this work to preserve the history of families. He says he has worked mostly in the Florida cemetery and has repaired about 300 graves.

“I want to preserve the heritage of families. So that future generations can see and know where their loved ones were buried and see the physical grave. I usually take a few homeless guys to help me with the repairs,” he adds.

Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo (JCPZ) spokesperson Jenny Moodley confirms that the cemetery is currently invaded by vagrants and reports of thefts including that of a fence and gate leading into the cemetery.

“The cemetery is one of 38 of the city’s 42 cemeteries that have reached full capacity for new burials. Families are, however, encouraged to consider the cemetery for reopening for second and third burials, in family-held graves.

“Sadly, unlike other dormant cemeteries in the city, not many families are opting to take up this opportunity to effectively utilise burial space at the Old Roodepoort Cemetery. This has resulted in the cemetery being under-utilised and less frequented, and reports of displaced persons randomly and illegally taking up occupation within the confines of the cemetery,” she says.

Moodley adds that members of the JMPD, together with park rangers, have undertaken multiple operations to clean up the cemetery and remove vagrants; however, later in the day, these individuals return.

“The cemetery is maintained every two weeks of the month; however, residents are also reminded that the onus remains with the families to clean and safeguard any infrastructure on the grave. This includes the reinstatement of headstones and ensuring that plant material and grass is cut and cleared.”

Moodley says park rangers have visited the site and will be conducting another operation with JMPD. Unfortunately, JCPZ is yet to confirm that the gate will be replaced due to the ongoing theft of previous gates, which does not deter access to the facility.