Tombstone vandals face paying a fine, jail time
A cemetery is not only a final resting place for our loved ones who have passed on, but also a place that links communities and individuals to their history and heritage.
For that reason, the Ekurhuleni Metro has taken a decision to apply stringent measures in an effort to bring an end to the ongoing acts of vandalism to property within its cemeteries.
Hundreds of graves have been damaged throughout the metro, with some headstones being pushed over and sentimental ornaments and valuables being stolen for illegal trade in the informal market.
“This behaviour by unscrupulous individuals leaves grieving families with immeasurable emotional and financial stress.
Therefore, as the municipality, we strongly condemn these criminal acts and caution the culprits that they will not be tolerated,” said metro spokesperson Themba Gadebe.
“Perpetrators of these crimes will be subject to either paying a fine of up to R2 000, or to serve six months in jail.
“Meanwhile, the affected families will be within their rights, as guided by the approved EMM Cemetery By-laws, to claim for repair expenses from the identified vandals.”
Members of the community are urged to keep an eye out for vandals and to report any suspicious activity to Sanelisiwe Mongoai, on 011 999 4090, to email to Sanelisiwe.Mongoai@ekurhuleni.gov.za, or to report the criminal activities directly to the police.
