A cemetery is not only a final resting place for loved ones who have passed on, but also a place that links communities and individuals to their history and heritage.
For this reason, the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality 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,” said Ekurhuleni spokesperson Themba Gadebe.
“As the municipality, we strongly condemn these criminal acts and caution the culprits that they will not be tolerated,”
Perpetrators of these crimes will be subject to pay either a fine of up to R2 000 or serve six months in jail.
The affected families will be within their rights, as guided by the approved Ekurhuleni cemetery by-laws, to claim for repair expenses from the identified vandals.
