Much to the relief of local residents and in particular those of the Muslim faith, two massive floodlights have recently been erected at the Laudium Cemetery, now illuminating the previously poorly lit section of the graveyard that served as breeding ground for criminals and posed a danger during night funerals.
Many residents have applauded this, saying that criminals will no longer be able to run rampant, desecrating the graves, at night, of loved ones by stealing the headstones or copper placards now, that there is greater visibility at the cemetery.
Speaking to the Laudium Sun, Garnet Street resident, Huzair Mia Mahomed (25) said that the Laudium Cemetery was home to criminality of all sorts in the past, but now the lonely security guard has an advantage, because the criminals have nowhere to hide under the cover of darkness.
"It's a good start with these two floodlights that were installed, but now they should put more floodlights all over the cemetery, especially at the entrance, to deter would-be thieves further. Also, it will help with funerals that are performed at night, as the visibility is so much better after nightfall now, than what it was before," Copwatch employee, Huzair said.
Anti-crime activist, Junaid Gafoor of Clove Street, Laudium said, "We’ve always had a problem with Muslim funerals held at night. I know of many people who have fallen into the open graves or tripped over stones, because of the darkness. We could barely see each other as the graveyard was so poorly lit." Chairperson of the PMT Burial Committee, Zain Suliman, said, “We have for long been asking the council for more lighting and each time we were told that we have to wait for the new budget. We are thankful for the lighting and we urge the council to install more floodlights and have security guards on a 24-hour basis. There are many hobos that come during the day, harassing mourners who are visiting the graves of their loved ones.”
Garnet Str resident, Huzair Mia Mahomed (25), said more floodlights should be installed at the entrance of the cemetery.
Junaid Gafoor of Clove Str said, the new lighting at the graveyard is a step in the right direction for the safety of mourners at night.
The Laudium Cemetery is now partly brightened up, by the new floodlights that were recently installed.