WATCH: Final resting place becomes dumping ground!

Share current article via FacebookShare current article via PinterestShare current article via WhatsAppShare current article via TwitterShare current article via LinkedInNewsWATCH: Final resting place becomes dumping ground!By: Lucky Nkuyane • 15m agoAdd as a preferred source on GoogleFollow on Google NewsListen to this article-00:00lead-art-block.fullscreen-enterExpandJouberton residents are upset about dumping, overgrown bushes and alleged fencing theft at Extension 19 cemetery. Lucky Nkuyane Jouberton cemetery theft and illegal dumping upset residentsTHE dead can’t speak for themselves, but Jouberton residents near Klerksdorp, in the City of Matlosana in the North West, have had enough of the state of the area’s oldest cemetery.

Residents say their loved ones’ final resting place has been turned into a dumping ground, with rubbish, stolen fencing and overgrown bushes.

The state of the Extension 19 cemetery has left residents heartbroken. Some accuse the community of disrespecting the dead and the municipality of failing to maintain the burial grounds.

Sections of the concrete fencing have allegedly been stolen, leaving parts of the cemetery exposed. Residents fear criminals could use the overgrown grounds as a hiding place.

The cemetery is opposite Jouberton’s famous Tower Mall, just metres from businesses, including car washes and shisanyama establishments.

Moleko Boroko (70), a Ward 19 resident and former teacher, told Daily Sun that the problem had continued for years.

“We are saddened because most of us have our elders laid to rest here. These are our elders sleeping here.

Just after the littering has been stopped, they come back again to litter more because they know that maybe they do not have loved ones sleeping in this cemetery. Even the theft of the fencing, it’s some of them.

Another resident, Oupakie Phillip Scheepers, said the cemetery’s condition was painful for families whose loved ones were buried there.

He said the overgrown bushes, damaged fencing and illegal dumping had turned the cemetery into a potential hiding place for criminals.

“This brings a piercing pain in our hearts, for this was supposed to be a resting place for our honoured and beloved ones. They deserve better,” Scheepers said.

He claimed the cemetery had been neglected for more than five years.

However, City of Matlosana Municipality spokeswoman Kelebogile Moleko said a dedicated team was tackling illegal dumping.

She said the cemetery was cleaned on 11 September 2026, along with Jabulani Street and Ompi Maretlwa Street.

Other cemetery areas would also be cleaned again.

The community is urged not to dump waste after the municipality has cleaned.

Moleko said the municipality was aware of widespread vandalism and theft of cemetery fencing.

She said the department would approach Public Safety to request security at cemeteries.

The municipality also urged residents to protect municipal infrastructure and report vandalism and theft to Public Safety or the SAPS.

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I have over 10 years of experience as a Journalist. I cover mainly politics, including Municipality and Legislature, and community-based stories such as protests among others including crime and courts

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