This came after Duduza resident Cleopas Mkhondwani complained that tombstones belonging to his family members were among those which had collapsed when trees cut down at the cemetery fell on them.
Metro spokesperson, Themba Gadebe explains that in November 2015 a project was planned by the City of Ekurhuleni to remove all old blue gum trees at the cemetery, under the supervision of the cemetery manager.
Though some trees were cut down, those that have not been removed will be cut by the end of June, as the project is still under way, he says.
Regarding the issue of the collapsed tombstone, Gadebe says, “Upon investigations about the damaged tombstones, it was discovered that they were broken before the tree-felling project began.
“And according to the Cemetery and Crematorium By-Laws, Chapter Seven under the section of Care of Graves and Memorial Work on point 35 (13), it states that the council shall not be held liable for damage to or theft of memorial work,” he says.
