Focus still on Brixton Cemetery
BRIXTON – Baby body found wrapped in plastic bag at problematic cemetery.
Metal fence will still be used to maximise security of cemetery.
Concerns have been raised as to whether the option to green fence the Brixton Cemetery will assist with the failed perimeter security at the graveyard. On September 1, City Parks and Zoo planted trees along the perimeter as part of their green-fencing initiative to secure it from displaced people and criminal elements. Many have been curious as to how the young trees will stop criminal elements taking place currently.
Region manager in operations at City Parks and Zoo Ipeleng Dube explained, “We will still be putting a fence up once the plants start maturing. Procurement processes for the fence are still ongoing, but once sorted, they will both be utilised to improve the security here.”
She added that the decision to stop replacing the fence was the ongoing stealing and vandalism of the fence.
In addition to the stealing of the fence and displaced people living there, a range of crimes and illegal acts are constantly committed at the Heritage Site graveyard. During police patrols of the cemetery, Brixton Police also find displaced living there with dangerous weapons on them, drugs and items they cannot explain the source of, such as banking and access cards.
Spokesperson of the station Jeanette Backhoff said the graveyard is being used as a hideaway spot for many crimes taking place in the area and where unbelievable things are happening.
She confirmed that they recently found the body of a new-born baby at the cemetery. “A baby, who had passed on, was found wrapped in a black plastic bag. Someone walking through noticed the hand of the baby sticking out of the plastic and realised it was a person. Once we arrived we could confirm it was an infant.”
An inquest docket was immediately opened and the body removed.
Dube stated that they remain in contact with the Department of Social Development to assist with those living at the graveyard as it is their responsibility. She added that security has been hired at the cemetery and that they have been given instructions on how to attend to those found living or committing illegal acts within.
