RESIDENTS from Khayelitsha, Cape Town, are unhappy that the local cemetery has no fencing.
They said both people and cows go in and out of the cemetery as they please.
Resident Nozibele Mcitwa (41) from Harare in Khayelitsha said she buried her parents at that cemetery and it makes her feel uncomfortable whenever she sees cows there.
“I don’t think my parents’ graves are safe because you sometimes see cows and people walk around as they wish. I have seen some collapsed graves and don’t want that to happen to my parents’ graves. How are the dead going to rest in peace when cows and people walk around on top of their graves?” she said.
Another resident, Patrick Ntsinde (56) from Ndlovini squatter camp, said: “I always see cattle grazing and walking around the graveyard. Something must be done to ensure the dead rest in peace. These people are our ancestors and must be protected.”
Community Service and Health MMC Patricia van der Ross said they were aware of the vandalised fence at Khayelitsha Cemetery.
“Vandalism of city facilities, including the theft of fencing, has become a daily occurrence throughout the metro. This is costing departments millions of rands to replace or fix,” she said.
She said that besides vandalism, accidents also contributed to the damage of the perimeter wall of the graveyard.
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Van der Ross said they have security personnel who patrol and safeguard the graveyard while the city was engaging on suitable fencing options.
Members of the public are encouraged to report cases of vandalism to the city’s Public Emergency Communication Centre on 021 480 7700 or 107 from a landline.
