GEORGE NEWS - A George resident who wanted to look up the grave of someone who had been buried in the George cemetery 30 years ago, is concerned over the grave register, which he believes is not being kept up to date.
He thought he would be able to access the grave register at the small office in the cemetery, but found it unoccupied. Workers told him that the office had been moved to town because of regular vandalism and break-ins.
"When I got to the office that is now in Meade Street, two young ladies at reception did not understand what I was talking about when I asked for the register.
"Another lady appeared from the back of the office and she produced two registers from under the counter where the receptionists were sitting. I did find the grave I was looking for, but as far as I could see the register is not being updated.
"I also noticed in the graveyard that graves are not being numbered anymore."
The complainant said it seems as if there is no control over burials. "Traditionally, graves lie in straight lines, but it is not the case with the new section of the cemetery.
"The graves are located close to each other. It looks in many cases as if two graves are dug in the space of one.
"New graves can also be seen among old ones. There is no space for a hearse to drive."
He said he was also told by workers that thieves often descend on a grave just after a funeral to steal the fresh flowers to sell.
According to municipal regulations, the cemetery caretaker must keep a record of each burial.
He/she must take down the personal details of the deceased and the date of the burial, the details of the person who requested the burial, and the number of the grave.
The communications department of the municipality said they could not respond to the complainant's concerns since the official in charge of the grave register is on leave for two weeks and no other official is able to provide information in this regard.
'We bring you the latest George, Garden Route news'
