Image Source: Find a Grave
Local – Chairperson of Fordsburg Muslim Youth Organisation (FMYO), Muhammed Amien Minty, urged people visiting cemeteries not to go alone, following a spate of armed robberies targeting mourners at Johannesburg cemeteries.
He stressed that visitors should remain cautious, especially after the most recent incident at West Park Cemetery, where three young men were held up at gunpoint while visiting their mother’s grave.
Minty confirmed that while the latest attack occurred in the Christian section, similar risks affect other parts of West Park and Avalon Cemeteries. He warned that the vastness of these burial grounds makes them vulnerable to criminal activity.
“First of all, it wasn’t in the Muslim section that this had happened. It happened in the Christian section. As you know, West Park is huge. So we have a Christian section, a Jewish section, but it does happen in the Muslim section as well.”
He added that the size of the cemetery creates unique safety challenges. Minty pointed out that during the week, staff provide some visibility. Still, on weekends, when fewer people are present, the risks increase significantly.
“The problem is you can’t have security 24/7 there. And it’s so vast. Even the Muslim section extends from one end to the other. So you can’t have people all the time there.”
The Biggest Challenge: Funding Security
Minty explained that addressing these safety concerns requires resources. He noted that while the community expects security, contributions have not matched the need, leaving gaps in protection.
He emphasised that without financial backing, security guards cannot be deployed consistently, especially over weekends when incidents are most likely to occur.
“The big problem is we want to put in security over the weekends from a certain time, but the question is money. Everything rotates around money, and that’s been a big problem in West Park… the Muslim community is not coming forth.”
Minty appealed to the public to take practical steps while longer-term funding is sought. He said mourners should avoid visiting cemeteries alone and instead arrive in groups.
He explained that while this may not entirely prevent crime, it reduces vulnerability and increases safety for those paying respects to their loved ones.
“All I can say is when you go to the cemetery, do not go alone. Go with a few people. I don’t say it will stop it, but at least it’s better than being there alone.”
Minty also described how attackers exploit the open nature of cemeteries. He explained that criminals often disguise themselves as ordinary visitors, joggers, or cyclists before approaching mourners.
“Anybody can walk through there as if he’s coming to a cemetery… next thing is they point a gun at you and say, ‘Give us.’ 90% of the time it’s either your wallet or your cell phone.”
Burial Space and Funding Under Pressure
Minty raised further concerns about the future of West Park Cemetery, warning that space is running out. He said burials may soon need to be redirected to other cemeteries, adding pressure on already strained resources.
He highlighted that without more substantial financial support, maintaining cemeteries will become unsustainable, leaving volunteers overstretched and frustrated.
“I don’t think we’re going to see next year in April in West Park, okay? We’re going to be full. That’s for sure. 100%.”
Minty made a call for consistent community contributions through debit orders. He revealed that, despite repeated appeals, support remains limited, and the workload is becoming increasingly overwhelming.
