This is according to metro spokesman, Themba Gadebe, in response to an article published in last week’s Addie, ‘Heartless thieves steal ashes from cemetery‘.
Gadebe says similar incidents have been reported to the metro since 2012.
He says the metro is looking at appointing security guards at the affected cemeteries in an attempt to stop the theft.
He adds that security needs have been sent to the department responsible for the appointment of guards and once the request has been approved, security guards will be allocated.
Gadebe explains that the memorial stones placed on top of the ashes, which were damaged or stolen, were previously repaired in 2012 and 2014.
“No further repairs can be done at the moment until security is allocated to the facility,” Gadebe concludes.