Mom comes across horrid scenes when visiting late daughter’s grave
Residents have more questions than answers concerning the poor state of the Sterkfontein Cemetery.
When a loved one passes away, it is normal for families to honour them with a well-kept grave.
Unfortunately, despite their efforts, residents’ complaints of vandalism and the poor state of the Sterkfontein Cemetery are falling on deaf ears.
Vandalism of tombstones and the neglect of the cemetery have posed some questions about the municipal by-laws and ethics it upholds.
• Also read: Operation Sterkfontein Cemetery clean-up the first of many
One resident who has been seeking answers is Michele Shaw. Shaw’s visit to her daughter’s grave on July 6 was meant to be a normal visit where she wanted to pay her respects, however, she arrived at what she describes as a shocking scene. Not only were the tombstones vandalised but the grass burnt with no explanation.
“When I went there, it was not just her grave, there was a large patch of other graves that were vandalised with burnt marks and soot upon our visit. We reached out to the municipality but we are yet to receive feedback as to what happened.”
The Krugersdorp News reached out to Mogale City Ward 29 councillor Aloysha Jooste regarding the state of the facility who said it goes beyond just vandalism. Jooste confirmed there is also criminal activity in the area that has been affecting visitors and businesses close to the cemetery.
“Sterkfontein Cemetery has become the hub from where criminals operate flowing into residential areas specifically Rant-en-Dal and Dan Pienaarville Ext 1. A business next to the cemetery did try to secure the fence between them and the cemetery but it gets vandalised over and over again. With the long grass, it has become an easy hiding place for criminals and besides the vandalism of tombstones, crime is the order of the day.
She also confirmed that Mogale City’s Department of Integrated Environmental Matters does not have enough funds to build and maintain a new fence around the facility.
The News contacted the department for comment, but it did not respond at the time of going to print. Their response will be published whenever received.
