VANDERBIJLPARK.- The Mayor of Emfuleni Local Municipality, Hassan Mako, has strongly condemned a wave of violence that erupted at a Vanderbijlpark cemetery over the weekend.
The chaos began when a group of around 60 armed initiates, who were attending the burial of a recently killed member, stormed the graveyard.
The group ambushed and attacked other mourners who were at the cemetery to bury or pay respects to their loved ones.
During the attack, innocent mourners were mugged and stabbed, gunshots were fired, and several vehicles parked outside the cemetery were vandalised and set on fire.
Emergency units, including the police, public order police, local security, and fire and rescue teams, were deployed to monitor the situation as panicked motorists and mourners fled.
Mako expressed his relief that no lives were lost but made it clear that violence and intimidation have no place in the community.
“There is no justification for acts of intimidation, destruction of property, or violence against innocent members of the public. Violence, irrespective of who commits it or the circumstances under which it occurs, has no place in our communities,” he said.
The mayor said every resident has the right to move freely and safely on the streets without fear.
“We therefore call upon our law enforcement agencies to leave no stone unturned in ensuring that those responsible are identified, arrested, and brought before the courts. Criminality must never be tolerated, and those who seek to terrorise our communities must face the full consequences of the law,” he added.
Mako described deeply disturbing reports of a woman and her children being forced to flee for their safety while being pursued by a group allegedly armed with pangas, knobkerries, and firearms.
“Such acts are unacceptable and deserve the strongest condemnation. We further call on organisers and leaders of all gatherings, cultural events, religious occasions, and community activities to exercise responsibility and ensure that participants conduct themselves peacefully and with respect for the rights, safety, and dignity of others. No individual or group should use any occasion to intimidate, threaten, or harm members of the public,” Mako said.
Mayor Mako concluded by praising the swift and professional response of the Emfuleni Fire and Rescue Services and other emergency teams for their dedication during the crisis.
