A very upset resident from Hillside recently informed the Herald about the state of the Kocksoord Cemetery.
Rudy Oelofse told the Herald that he has not been able to get into the cemetery for the last three months. Oelofse was shocked to realise that the gate was locked and that there was no access to the area, which is surrounded by a three-metre high wall.
“Three of my beloved family members are buried there and now I cannot visit their graves,” said Rudy.
Rudy continued by saying that it was evident that someone had tried to break the lock open, but was unsuccessful.
He also said that he contacted and visited the municipality numerous times and was promised that the gate would be opened, but the gate is still locked.
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The Herald then approached the ANC ward councillor, Steve Mazibuko, who confirmed that the cemetery was closed. He said that the cemetery is locked because of vandalism and theft taking place. He feels that prevention is better than more damage being done.
“We have to respect the site of the graveyard. These are our people, and their relatives spend money showing their respect, but criminals have no respect for the dead,” said Mazibuko.
The cemetery is very small, and very old – when the Herald visited it, we saw graves dating back to 1831. Mazibuko told the Herald the older graves are those that are targeted, and thieves steal the tombstones. Another concern for him is that the cemetery is part of our heritage, and together these concerns led to the decision to lock the gates.
“The public is more than welcome to visit their loved ones’ graves, but they must please contact me, or the municipality, to set a date and time for their visit. We will then arrange for the gate to be opened,” said Mazibuko.
Mazibuko apologised to the community for not notifying them of the closure in the first place.
The municipality can be reached through its 24/7 call centre on 087 238 8439, or Mazibuko can be called on 061 730 2593.
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