The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (NMBM) has intensified interventions aimed at addressing the ongoing theft and vandalism of tombstones across cemeteries in the Metro, following a recent breakthrough arrest in Kariega linked to coordinated efforts between law enforcement agencies, municipal officials, and industry stakeholders.
South African Police Service (SAPS) spokesperson Captain André Beetge confirmed that a 50-year-old male was arrested on 11 May 2026 in Kariega for possession of suspected stolen property.
“This followed the suspect attempting to have engraving removed on a tombstone at a tombstone business in Bell Street, Kruisrivier in Kariega,” he said. “SAPS was notified after the business made contact with the family to whom the stone belonged.”
Beetge added that the family opened a theft case at SAPS Kamesh “which will be added to the possession case for prosecution.”
The Municipality acknowledges the serious emotional distress and frustration these criminal acts continue to cause grieving families and communities and has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting cemeteries as dignified public spaces deserving of respect, protection, and proper management.
In a statement, NMBM spokesperson Sithembiso Soyaya said, “Over the past two years, the Municipality has recorded an increase in incidents involving theft, vandalism, and damage to tombstones across several municipal cemeteries.”
He added that these incidents have placed significant strain on municipal resources and have required ongoing collaboration between the Municipality, the South African Police Service, Metro Police, private stakeholders, and community structures.
“All reported cases have been formally escalated to the Municipality’s Internal Investigating Unit within the Safety and Security Directorate, as well as the South African Police Service, with investigations currently underway,” he said.
Soyaya added that in a recent operational breakthrough in Kariega, a suspect was arrested after cooperation between the Municipality and local tombstone manufacturers helped identify suspicious activity linked to the recycling and alteration of tombstones.
“Industry stakeholders have since strengthened collaboration with authorities by reporting suspicious polishing, recycling, and resale requests associated with cemetery materials.”
The NMBM Executive Mayor, Councillor Babalwa Lobishe, said the Municipality understands the public concern surrounding the matter and acknowledged the need for stronger long-term security interventions.
“These criminal acts are deeply painful and unacceptable. We fully understand the anger and hurt experienced by affected families and communities. At the same time, it is important for residents to know that the Municipality is actively pursuing interventions within its available resources to strengthen cemetery security, support investigations, and improve coordination with law enforcement agencies,” Lobishe said.
She added that the scale of the challenge requires substantial financial investment and long-term operational support.
“Current municipal assessments indicate that approximately R20 million per financial year would be required to provide comprehensive security coverage across all 11 active cemeteries within Nelson Mandela Bay,” she said. “To begin addressing the challenge, the Municipality has identified an initial R700,000 through internal savings measures.”
Soyaya added that this amount would only provide limited security coverage for one cemetery for approximately three months, making it insufficient to address the security breaches at cemeteries in the Metro.
“Despite broader financial pressures facing local government, including competing service delivery priorities related to water, electricity, roads, public safety, and ageing infrastructure, the Municipality has confirmed that cemetery security remains a priority area receiving ongoing attention and engagement,” Soyaya said in the statement.
He said that consultations with the Budget and Treasury Directorate are currently underway to explore sustainable funding options for additional security interventions, including:
- Enhanced cemetery patrols
- Improved surveillance and monitoring systems
- Access control measures
- Coordinated law enforcement operations
- Strengthened partnerships with SAPS and community safety structures
The Municipality further warned that the theft, vandalism, and unlawful possession of tombstones or cemetery material constitute criminal offences and that individuals involved in these activities may face criminal prosecution.
“Residents, funeral industry stakeholders, community organisations, and businesses operating within the memorial sector are encouraged to continue working closely with law enforcement agencies by reporting suspicious activities linked to cemetery vandalism and tombstone theft,” Soyaya concluded.
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