CHAIRMAN of the Mvoti Neighbourhood Watch, Grant Cockburn, has raised his concern over several holes in the wall of the Redhill Cemetery along Ryde Place. Cockburn said criminals were using the hole as an access point to the cemetery after committing crimes in the area. In August, the community and the watch took to repairing sections of the fence themselves (along Girvan Avenue) as they were fed up with the lack of response from the City.
“I’m concerned that the suspects could also end up using this entry point to make their way across the cemetery and gain access to Melrose Place and Melrose Avenue and a few other roads. We haven’t seen an increase in activity in these areas but Christmas is when we see a spike in activity in general. We’ve had three break-ins in the last two month. It is frustrating when we have sacrificed so much of our time to keep the community safe whereas if the walls had been repaired and maintained promptly these incidents may not have occurred,” said Cockburn.
Cockburn said the problems with the cemetery fence, which was only installed last year, has been going on for eight months.
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“We’ve sent 14 emails and had two meetings which were cancelled on the day to discuss the security risk surrounding the gaps. There is definitely foot traffic through the gaps because I’ve spotted footprints in the sand. We’ve also found suspected stolen items discarded at the gaps. Even the razor wire along Ryde Place and been vandalised. It is disappointing the City has not fixed it as it is only a few concrete slabs,” Cockburn said.
In an email response to the Northglen News, the City said the issue of the broken palisade fencing at Redhill Cemetery is being addressed.
“City officials from the Parks, Cemeteries and Culture Department have been liaising with community activists regarding the issue. Officials are currently waiting for the insurance claims to be processed for the fencing to be repaired. It should also be noted that the fencing was only installed two years ago yet it has already been vandalised by the public,” said City spokesperson, Tozi Mthethwa.
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