Children’s graves ruin at Mahwelereng Cemetery
Residents of Mahwelereng are in shock after the vandalism of graves at the Mahwelereng Cemetery.
MOKOPANE – According to Motlatso Selomo, Limpopo Secretary for the United Democratic Movement (UDM) and political activist, residents complained on Tuesday, to her that children’s graves were damaged and vandalised at the cemetery.
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“This is outrages and disrespectful to our loved ones that passed on. These complaints came after graves of adults were vandalised last week. Who in his/her right mind would do something like this? I reported the matter to Jabu Mashamaite, Acting Community Services Manager, who said there will be an investigation done to get to the bottom of this disrespectful act.”
Mashamaite told Bosveld the matter was brought to his attention.
“We are busy with our investigation and we will get to the bottom of this barbaric act. We are also in the process of notifying all relatives of the graves that were damaged so that we can work together on a way forward, that will take everyone’s interests to heart.”
Mashamaite said there is a possibility that these acts are linked to victimisation or to discredit companies, because there is a tender out for a security company to protect and guard the cemeteries.
“The community must remember structures like stadiums, graveyards and parks are there for the community to use. If the community destroy these properties it places a great financial strain on the municipality. I request the help from the community to report any person who vandalise municipal property.
Malesela Selokela, Head of Communication for Mogalakwena Municipality said: “As the municipality, we are not happy about this behaviour and we treat it as a criminal activity, hence we have opened a case of vandalism at the Mahwelereng Police Station.
“We suspect that some residents from Mahwelereng and Ga-Madiba have vandalised the graveyard palisade fence to create a shortcut to their respective homes. We are pleading with them to refrain from doing this.”
redaksie.bosvelder@nmgroup.co.za
