City condemns vandalism at Mooifontein Cemetery
“I thought Zuurfontein Cemetery was bad, but the state of Mooifontein Cemetery is shocking and disheartening.”
Cemeteries have become dumpsites and are no longer a place of dignity and respect for the dead.
Following reports of vandalism at the Mooifontein Cemetery, the Kempton Express visited the facility and discovered over 40 vandalised tombstones.
The Kempton Express team, joined by community activist Lorraine Porter, discovered vandalism was not the only issue at the site. The poor maintenance of the facility has caused degradation on an unprecedented scale.
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A big part of the palisade fencing surrounding the facility is damaged or stolen. Removing the fencing has resulted in the cemetery becoming a thoroughfare for anyone.
The lack of fencing around the facility for the theft and vandalism of headstones may also be a reason for the vandalism of the graves.
Porter said vandalism also occurs to ornaments and other items used to beautify graves, many of which have sentimental or symbolic significance.
She said with the state of the cemetery, she no longer has the excitement of visiting the gravesites.
“I thought Zuurfontein Cemetery was bad, but the state of Mooifontein Cemetery is shocking and disheartening.”
“Honestly, the municipality needs to attend to this crisis before the whole cemetery gets vandalised,” said Porter.
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“It is sad to see the state of cemeteries in Ekurhuleni. I am feeling a little desponded because I am wondering where money is to fix the state of the cemeteries. Even though the City of Ekurhuleni (CoE) allocated an amended budget for these facilities.”
Security at the Mooifontein and other cemeteries is among Porter’s concerns.
The Kempton Express noted only two security guards posted at the facilities, overseeing the entire cemetery.
One of the security guards at the cemetery, Moses Thobejane, said during the day, two officers work to secure the facility, while at night they have four officers patrolling the grounds.
“I would like the municipality to assist us by appointing more officers in the cemetery. We probably need 10 or more officers to combat the criminal activities.”
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“Drug addicts sleep in the cemetery and have vandalised the toilets. I believe it would be better if they demolished it because they are of no use anymore,” said Thobejane.
Officials from the CoE have condemned the recent vandalism of grave sites at Mooifontien Cemetery.
“There are over 40 badly vandalised tombstones at the facility,” said the CoE spokesperson, Zweli Dlamini.
“It is sad, and we appeal to the community to respect our cemeteries and allow those who have parted to rest in peace,” said Dlamini.
He urged residents who had their departed loved ones buried at Mooifontein cemetery between 2016 and 2019 on the Birch Acres side, to visit the gravesite to inspect the state of the tombstones.
“The city reminds residents that cemeteries are sacred and must be respected.
“We do not know who is behind this vandalism, but we will investigate tightening security there,” said Dlamini.
