Funeral equipment robbery on the rise in Durban
Local funeral parlour owners are calling on eThekwini Municipality to beef up security at cemeteries, following a string of robberies targeting burial equipment.
The latest incident occurred at the Wentworth cemetery last weekend, where armed robbers stole an estimated R50 000 worth of equipment - including coffin lowering devices.
Similar cases have been reported in Shallcross, Stellawood and Scottburgh.
The National Funeral Parlour's Association says they were promised surveillance cameras and in-house security personnel, but that has not materialised.
The association's Muzi Gumede says they have had their stuff taken by criminals.
"When you send your boys to the cemetery, you send them with the lowering devices, tents and chairs. Criminals just show them guns, put them in the graves, take the machines and run away," he said.
(Photo: Getty Images)