I SYMPATHISE with the author of the recent letter (15 July) on the dangers of the Parys Cemetery in Paarl.
Something should be done to put an end to these vagrants or “bergies” (as you call them) stealing flowers, vandalising and destroying the graves.
I too have a child whose resting place is in the Parys Cemetery.
For the past seven years that I have been going to Parys Cemetery I have always felt vulnerable and afraid to get out of my vehicle, and that is totally unacceptable.
There have been many a time that I have seen these people just hanging around behind the trees or laying about.
The flowers have been stolen from the grave a few times and many graves have been vandalised too.
I no longer live in Paarl, but I do visit often, and each time I visit the Parys Cemetery I feel very intimidated and that is very sad.
I am sure there are many others out there who no longer visit their loved ones’ graves for this very reason.
Is there a solution to this problem? Does the caretaker not have any suggestions to this problem or perhaps he too is vulnerable or feels intimidated?
What does the Municipality have to say?
Lesley
The municipal spokesperson, May Carolissen, responds: Similar complaints and problems are experienced at a number of municipal cemeteries and other sites. The department is currently considering how best to address the problem. In the meantime we have requested Law Enforcement to do regular daily patrols at the Parys Cemetery.
