A Kempton Park resident expressed her disgust about the state of the Boksburg Cemetery following a recent visit.
Annette Brits visited the graves of her parents, grandparents and daughter when she noticed the sorry state of the cemetery.
She said that the grass is so overgrown that it covers the tombstone and that there are burn marks on the stones.
“It was very traumatic and shocking to see the cemetery in such a state. This is a place that should be maintained in respect of those who are no longer with us. The metro should do something about it,” said Brits.
Apart from the overgrown grass, Brits said she did not feel safe at the cemetery.
“I was afraid that I might get mugged,” she said.
This is not the first complaint the Boksburg Advertiser received about the graveyard.
The Advertiser published a letter to the editor in March where Marinda Swanepoel of Witfield expressed her shock and disappointment over the state of the cemetery.
Metro responds
The City of Ekurhuleni’s spokesperson, Zweli Dlamini, said the metro is aware of the state of the cemetery in question.
“The parks and cemeteries division of the Environmental Resources and Waste Management is responsible for the maintenance of the cemetery. We attend to the cemetery as and when there is a need. We have since acquired equipment to attend to the facility regularly,” said Dlamini.
Dlamini added the metro has taken delivery of machinery and equipment required to effectively proceed with proper maintenance and servicing of the site.
“However, we must also condemn the vandalism and theft takes place there. The city has continued with the required maintenance work and proper servicing of the site.”
Also Read: LETTER: State of Boksburg Cemetery is horrifying
Also Read: Metro to start cleaning Boksburg Cemetery today
