Mystery graves
The erection of two new tombstones in what appears to be a forgotten cemetery, near Geluksdal, has many residents scratching their heads in wonder.
The new tombstones were recently erected along a stretch of land near the intersection of Heidelberg Road and Geluksdal Road.
They mark the final resting place of two children, Bangizwe Phillemon Dube and Mfanzana Solomon Dube.
Both were born in 1965 and passed away within a week of each other, in 1966.
The area is dotted with mounds of stones, possibly marking other graves, and there is also a cross, weathered with age, under one of the trees.
“It must be the remnants of an old cemetery,” said resident Henry Tiedemann, who regularly travels along Heidelberg Road.
“It’s very strange and very interesting.”
The graves are neat and tidy, and have also been tended to recently.
Anybody with any information regarding the graves can contact the Herald on 011 740 1825.
Alternatively, send an email to brakpanherald@caxton.co.za
Meanwhile, the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality has cautioned families who bury their loved ones on land that is not officially recognised as a cemetery that they stand the risk of losing the deceased’s remains forever.
Burials that take place in “illegal cemeteries” are not officially recorded by the municipality and are therefore unprotected.
The warning comes after the discovery of an illegal graveyard in Magagula Heights near Zonkizizwe, in Katlehong (Germiston).
