LIMPOPO – Residents of Lebowakgomo are worried about the state of the local cemetery, as they feel the municipality is neglecting its maintenance duties.
Tall grass and overhanging trees have become a usual sight for those hoping to visit late loved ones the last year.
Concerned families told CV this is no way for their loved ones’ memories to be honoured, and they see this as an insult by the Lepelle-Nkumpi Municipality.
Residents invited CV to visit the cemetery, situated at Ga-Ledwaba outside Lebowakgomo to witness the state of affairs.
Upon entering, tall grass hides the tombstones, making it difficult to identify the gravesites.
One visitor, Pule Ngwepe (42) said this situation leaves their dead family member’s soul “with no peace”.
“The fact that the municipality has been turning a blind eye is a challenge for us as we are scared these days to visit the cemetery,” said Pule.
She said they have been warned by the security officers that the cemetery is no longer safe.
“My uncle and grandmother are buried here and we are worried that they might think we don’t care about them anymore,” she said.
Snakes are also a common occurrence, she added, but her pleas to the municipality have seemingly fallen on deaf ears.
“We tried to send complaints to the municipality several times and none of the officials listened to us.”
She said they are being sent from pillar to post. “The municipality is failing us and that shows they don’t have respect for our dead family members,” said Pule.
“We really plead with the municipality to clean up the cemetery for the sake of our safety and our loved ones’ dignity,” she said.
Another visitor, Kgaogelo Maesela (39), said not one of her family members’ graves is accessible.
“We are spiritual people and we need to pay our respects,” said Kgaogelo.
She said they fear that the tombstones are not safe at all. “We urge the municipality to listen to our complaint and attend to it. We don’t feel safe. There are criminals here that use the cemetery as a hide-out at night.
“This puts people’s lives at risk, not only those who visit here, but also those who stay in the area as we have all become easy targets,” said Kgaogelo.
One of the security officers who wanted to remain anonymous said they fear for their lives too, however, there is nothing they can do as working there is their bread and butter.
“We work in fear because we know anything bad can happen,” he said.
“There are no lights here, the toilets are broken and the taps have been leaking, yet the municipality is failing to attend to the matter.”
CV sent several media queries including calls to the Lepelle-Nkumpi Municipality Spokesperson, Khali Maphosa.
At the time of going to print, no comment had been received.
