For this reason, Ekurhuleni has appointed security guards at the city’s cemeteries.
This is according to metro spokesperson Themba Gadebe.
“This is to prevent repeats of atrocious acts which took place at various cemeteries around Ekurhuleni, such as tombstone vandalism, rape, robbery and hijacking,” said Gadebe.
Cemeteries such as Thokoza-Schoeman, Phumlani, Edenvale, Ililiba, Lala Ngoxolo, Vlakfontein and Petersfield cemeteries now have security services.
“These were hit hard by crime and have been beefed up with patrol dogs, in addition to security officers and supervisory personnel.
“This intervention has yielded positive results that led to several arrests in Tembisa (Mooifontein and Ililiba cemeteries).
“The municipality also understands that crime is opportunistic by nature, which requires us to keep maintenance up to date in order for criminals not to take advantage of the long grass and overgrown weeds.”
