Stringent measures put in place to deter criminal activity in cemeteries

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The city says they are committed to ensuring that cemeteries are safe and stringent measures have been put in place to deter criminal activity.

Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo (JCPZ) has called on policing authorities to adopt a zero-tolerance stance on the illegal discharging of firearms at funerals.

JCPZ which is the custodians of the city’s forty two cemeteries and crematoria says it is working closely with the Johannesburg metropolitan police department (JMPD) to deter unruly and disrespectful behaviours by a small minority attending funerals in the city’s cemeteries.

Recent reports at Westpark cemetery and the Olifantsvlei cemetery indicate that during the burial of persons suspected of criminal activity, members of the mourning party illegally discharged their firearms.

“Cemeteries are sacred spaces, and we will not tolerate any illegal or disrespectful behaviours. We are working with the JMPD to ensure that anyone who violates the law is held accountable,” JCPZ spokesperson Jenny Moodley reinforced.

According to Moodley, JMPD and the local police have been requested to remain on high alert and make the necessary arrests of persons transgressing the bylaws, which includes the illegal consumption of alcohol, littering and urinating in and around the cemetery.

He continued; “There is also a dependency on the public and adjacent residents to speedily alert the relevant policing authority.

“The JMPD contingent stationed outside the cemetery has been tasked to close the main gates and immediately conduct random searches.

“Policing structures are also authorized to make swift arrests of any person found entering and or exiting the cemetery with a weapon and confiscate alcohol.”

In addition Moodley says they are committed to ensuring that cemeteries are safe and that the rule of law prevails as such added stringent measures have been put in place to deter criminal activity in cemeteries.

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“Private security officials are deployed at the entrance to the cemetery and random searches are conducted on entering the city’s cemeteries.

“A holding deposit of R1000 is in place and non-complying families will be charged this fee through the funeral director. Cemetery ushers are visible and will also alert security of transgressions during a burial.

“JMPD has a visible presence at the entrance to also address traffic congestion concerns,” Moodley concluded.