Joburg beefs up security after vandals strike Braamfontein cemetery
Johannesburg City Parks has beefed up security at Braamfontein cemetery after vandals struck over the weekend.
Following the incident, City Parks found that the plaques had been removed from several niches but that the urns remained intact.
It is believed that the suspects were looking for valuable items that families often place inside the niche.
City Parks spokesperson Jenny Moodley said four security personnel have been deployed to patrol the facility throughout the day and night.
"The challenge, however, is the vast expanse of the cemetery, which has limited fencing due to the ongoing theft of palisade fencing. In recent months, the trees were pruned back, and additional lighting was installed to provide increased visibility in the cemetery.
"Unfortunately, due to the cemetery reaching full capacity, it's underutilised and less frequented, resulting in sporadic reports of opportunistic crime.”
Moodley said they are working closely with the Friends of Cemeteries organisation to raise funds to restore the damaged and vandalised memorial walls.
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