SASOLBURG. – These sentiments were expressed by Robelle van der Bank, who had visited her parents’ graves at the Sasolburg Cemetery, only to find that a pipe burst had left the graves destroyed. “We came here to clean up and put flowers on their graves.
“However, the graves were covered by a pool of water, as the top soil surface had eroded, leaving the water collecting,” she said. This ordeal is an added insult, considering the family spent around R12 500 for a service to install the tombstones.
Robelle blames the Metsimaholo Municipality for failing to maintain and care for the graves. Looking back, Robelle remembered how they were forced to dig their mother’s grave. “We were told about the Covid-19 regulations and about the Metsimaholo workers which were on strike.
“Together with my husband and two other helpers, we dug the grave six meters deep, using only spades, and no extra machinery to help.
“This was supposed to have been a sacred and holy place,” she said, pointing to the graves.
“This town used to win awards as the best clean area in the Vaal Triangle,” she said in disbelief. With tears rolling down her cheek, Robelle said 9 February marked the birthday of her late mom.
