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Cemetery vandalism needs a collective approach<span><p><br>The City of Cape Town is investigating how to best address the ongoing theft and vandalism at cemeteries to find a sustainable solution.</p><p>In recent months, there has been an increase in the number of reported incidents at various City-owned cemeteries around the metropole.</p><p>Klip Road, Khayelitsha, Kuils River (pictured) and Durbanville cemeteries appear to be the hardest hit, not only by vandalism, but also illegal occupation by street people and ongoing illegal dumping.</p> <figure class="subtopic-fullsize-img"> <img class="responsive" src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Centre/cv1.jpg" alt="" style="width:1069px;" /> </figure></span><span><p>Similar issues are being experienced at the Old Strand and Maitland cemeteries, but on a smaller scale.</p><p>The City is also aware that private cemeteries are experiencing challenges too.</p><p>‘Cemeteries are vast portions of land and it is impossible to secure each grave, especially in recent months when the demand for burials was at its peak and drew heavy foot traffic daily through the cemeteries. City Cemeteries are also classified as Public Open Spaces and are therefore required to remain accessible to all.</p><p>‘The City provides full perimeter fencing at cemeteries and where necessary, security personnel, particularly at night. Unfortunately, the high cost of private security makes it unaffordable and unsustainable as a permanent, long-term solution,’ said Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Zahid Badroodien.</p><p>The fencing at cemeteries is often vandalised or stolen over time – the City reports these cases to the police. </p> <figure class="subtopic-fullsize-img"> <img class="responsive" src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Centre/cv2.jpg" alt="" style="width:1069px;" /> </figure>​​</span><span>​​</span><p>Incidents of vandalism of memorial work are only brought to the City’s attention when reported by visitors to the grave sites, as the City does not keep records of all memorial items placed on individual graves.</p><p>Illegal dumping is another reoccurring challenge at some cemeteries and other areas of the city. </p><p>While staff are generally on site to ensure that grounds and pathways are kept clean, various City Departments including Recreation and Parks, Social Development and Early Childhood Development and Law Enforcement are working together to deal with the challenges on a daily basis.</p><p>‘We appeal to communities to report incidents of vandalism as soon as possible, so that corrective action can be taken. A small act of vandalism left unattended soon becomes a far bigger problem. We are also aware of an apparent increase in street people living or sleeping in, or adjacent to cemeteries. Due to the current Disaster Management regulations in place, it is very difficult to address this particular issue. The City continues to do its social development outreach work on a daily basis, but offers of assistance are voluntary and no one can be forced to accept the help,’ added Councillor Badroodien.</p><p>Incidents of general vandalism and/or theft can be reported to the South African Police Service or the City’s Public Emergency Communication Centre on 021 480 7700 from a cellphone or 107 from a landline.</p><p>Incidents of vandalism and/or theft of memorial work or graves should be reported to the relevant cemetery office.  </p><p><br>End<br></p>2021-04-20T22:00:00ZGP0|#1d539e44-7c8c-4646-887d-386dc1d95d70;L0|#01d539e44-7c8c-4646-887d-386dc1d95d70|City news;GTSet|#62efe227-07aa-45e7-944c-ceebacca891dGP0|#fc0a19bf-6a9b-42af-bc90-8a0d4b9f4eac;L0|#0fc0a19bf-6a9b-42af-bc90-8a0d4b9f4eac|vandalism;GTSet|#2e3de6c1-9951-4747-8f53-470629a399bb;GP0|#6199a1b2-2e64-4bd0-abba-c06ea746ee8b;L0|#06199a1b2-2e64-4bd0-abba-c06ea746ee8b|cemetaries;GP0|#73b473ca-f151-491f-b2ec-e56540af9805;L0|#073b473ca-f151-491f-b2ec-e56540af9805|criminal activities;GPP|#684fa0e4-3901-467f-9bab-6f6995dc8f9310

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