The Municipality has noted with concern the increase in incidents of gunfire salutes during some funeral proceedings at cemeteries around the City.
To curb the problem, the Municipality has increased security measures at various cemeteries. “We have set aside R600 000 for the installation of additional CCTV cameras at cemeteries around the Municipal area,” said Thembinkosi Ngcobo, Head of the Parks, Recreation and Culture Unit.
The Municipality is also having ongoing engagements with the South African Police Services to assist with the management and supervision of funeral proceedings that have the potential of having these gun salutes. “We particularly monitor funeral proceedings of people who have died of unnatural causes,” he said, adding that the Municipality also relied on intelligence from members of the community to report these incidents before they take place.
People who are aware of potentially hazardous funeral proceedings are encouraged to report to their nearest police station, the local cemetery office or call the Municipality’s emergency number on 031 361 0000.
