No respect for the dead

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AN Empangeni resident was left speechless and heartbroken when she discovered that her late husband’s ashes had been stolen from the wall of remembrance in Empangeni’s cemetery last week.

The shocking discovery was made after Anna Read read an article in the Zululand Observer earlier this month in which the security of the urns came under scrutiny.

Worried that the plaque would be broken and the urn stolen, Read contacted the municipality to ask for permission to remove the plaque and urn, which was granted.

She planned on moving the urn to a safer location at her church.

Arriving at the cemetery, Read’s worst nightmare became a reality.

‘I was initially relieved when I noticed that the plaque was still intact, obviously believing my husband’s ashes were still safely inside,’ said Read.

However, after removing the plaque, she was horrified to discover that the urn was in fact removed.

She immediately contacted the municipality.

The Zululand Observer facilitated a meeting between cemetery Superintendent, Cyril Mtambo and Read on Monday.

Mtambo apologised, explaining that owing to budget cuts there was no longer a security guard on duty at the cemetery on a 24-hour basis.

‘Vagrants are now using the structure as a shelter. The cemetery has reached its capacity and is not frequented as often as it used to be. This fact makes it an ideal place for vagrants and any other sort of illegal activity.’

The removal of the urns remains a mystery, but Mtambo said a handful of people had requested permission to remove their families’ urns, which accounts for a few of the empty spaces.

‘I encourage people who want to relocate their loved ones’ urns to a safer location to contact me at the municipality and arrangements will be made.’