Shooting continues at Red Hill, despite surveillance

A YEAR after CCTV cameras were installed in the Red Hill Cemetery to discourage undesired traffic and other illegal activities, the community is still raising concerns regarding the discharging of automatic weapons on the property during funerals.

According to Wayne Nettmann, chairman of the Mvoti Neighbourhood Watch, residents have continued to report shootings in the cemetery since the surveillance system, valued at more than R700 000, was installed last year.

“There has definitely been a decrease in foot traffic through the cemetery since the installation. Since the cameras have been installed the access to the property has also been limited. The bottom gate is permanently locked, and after a certain time access is monitored at the top gate. The management has done an excellent job in that regard, but the shootings remain a concern. The facility is adjacent to businesses and residential homes, and the unauthorised shooting of firearms is potentially dangerous,” he explained.

In the past, criminals used the cemetery as a thoroughfare or hiding spot.

Nettmann suggested, in cases where military or political funerals receive permission from the management or municipality to fire weapons during the service, the community should be informed.

“We have had hijackings and shootings in the area, so when residents hear gunshots they become frantic,”‘ he said.

According to uMhlanga Ward councillor, Heinz de Boer, he had only received one complaint regarding the discharging of weapons at the cemetery since the installation.

“In terms of direct complaints I have only received one since the system was installed last year, so there has been a dramatic decrease.

But, just as I initially feared, the municipality is not following up on the incidences. They aren’t using the footage to prosecute offenders. I have yet to hear of one prosecution following the use of the footage,” he said.

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