SHARPEVILLE. – Emfuleni Local Municipality (ELM) Mayor Simon Mofokeng was “buried” in his absence. This happend when angry Sharpeville residents took to the streets yesterday in a ‘Grave fees must fall ‘ campaign. This is the second protest this year where residents have urged the municipality to do away with “high” grave tariffs.

Following a march in Seiso Street, residents gathered at an open veld next to the Sharpeville Police Station where they sang away while some of the men dug up about six graves. This was followed by closure and wreath laying on the graves.

All of a sudden, there were stones engraved with names of municipal officials on some of the graves. One belonging to Mofokeng read ‘Rest In Peace (RIP) Simon Mofokeng’ while the other read RIP Stan Gaba in refference to ELM’s Communications, Branding and Marketting Acting Manager Stanely Gaba.

Addressing the residents, Community Leader Donald Tontsi said that by the weekend the municipality should have done away with the expensive tarrifs.

The community  said should the municipality fail to meet their demands, they would bury their loved ones at their new “Police Station Cemetry” where they will not have to pay large amounts of monies for burials.

ELM’s Spokeperson Anita Sehlabo says, “The municipality is aware of the matter. Right now we can not give comment as we are busy with investigations. A media statement will be issued in due course.”