City Parks tackles lawlessness at Westpark Cemetery
Zero tolerance on stance regarding the illegal discharging of firearms in cemeteries will continue to be implemented.
Arrests send out a strong message that lawlessness in cemeteries will not be tolerated.
This is according to City Parks and Zoo spokesperson Jenny Moodley, following successful cooperation between the entity and law enforcement agencies. They have been working hand in hand to identify, monitor and execute arrests of those found to be shooting at funerals hosted at Westpark Cemetery.
Moodley stated, “City Parks’ cemeteries unit will continue to provide crime intelligence with information regarding anticipated threats during funerals. The South African Police Services, working closely with the Joburg Metropolitan Police Department, will respond to all reports of firearms being discharged as a form of send-off during funerals.”
On March 12 one suspect was arrested and charged at the funeral of a politically aligned person and found with an unlicensed firearm and ammunition. On March 20 another five suspects were arrested and four firearms confiscated, including a licensed firearm belonging to a traffic officer at the funeral of a TikTok star.
In both instances, the funerals were coming from Soweto and law enforcement agencies were on standby for potential shootings. Funeralgoers have been reminded that a zero-tolerance stance regarding the illegal discharging of firearms in cemeteries will continue to be implemented.
Moodley added, “We appeal to families and funeral directors to ensure that the final farewell of a loved one is not marred by arrests as JCPZ is working closely with all affected stakeholders to clamp down on these transgressions which will result in arrests and a police search of all vehicles leaving the cemetery and its surrounds.”
Residents who live in close proximity to the cemetery and hear gunshots are advised to immediately send a WhatsApp message to 082 803 0655 to alert cemetery staff of gunshots. Additionally, the matter can be reported to the SAPS or Metro police for their immediate attention.
Details: CrimeStop 08600 10111; JMPD 011 375 5911; Sophiatown Police Station 011 670 6300.
