VERULAM, KwaZulu-Natal — The eThekwini Municipality has initiated an urgent response following disturbing reports of lewd acts and indecent exposure at the historic Wick Street Cemetery in Verulam. Municipal spokesperson Senzele Mzila confirmed that authorities are taking decisive steps to halt the criminal activities, which have reportedly included individuals engaging in inappropriate behavior on or near tombstones.
The concerning allegations, which first surfaced in January 2026, have been corroborated by a local security company operating near the cemetery, municipal workers, and Reaction Unit South Africa. According to these reports, the incidents involve different men from diverse backgrounds, though local residents have noted repeatedly seeing one specific individual returning to the site to engage in the activities. Disturbingly, the reports detail individuals lying on graves, standing on tombstones, and allegedly recording or consuming pornographic material within the sacred grounds.
Addressing the matter, Senzele Mzila emphasized that the city views these reports with the utmost seriousness. “Cemeteries are places of dignity where we bury our loved ones,” Mzila stated. “These reports are concerning to the city, and we are taking all necessary steps to ensure that these things do not continue.”
While the Wick Street Cemetery is one of the municipality’s oldest and is regularly maintained and enclosed, authorities have identified specific vulnerabilities. Investigations revealed that perpetrators are likely exploiting a rear access gate and a bushy area behind the cemetery to enter the premises undetected.
In response, the municipality has instructed the Durban police service and the metro police to significantly increase their patrols around the cemetery. Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA) has also been actively monitoring and patrolling the area.
Mzila noted that this is the first time the municipality has received reports of this specific nature at the site. Officials acknowledged that homelessness is a broader challenge in the area, with some individuals attempting to access the cemetery for various reasons, but stressed that indecent exposure is a distinct criminal offense that will not be tolerated.
The municipality is urgently calling on residents, families, and witnesses to come forward. With the cemetery located within the Verulam central business district, officials expressed heightened concern for the children who play in the surrounding area.
“We call upon our residents and families to report this to our control center at the metro police, or to the police directly,” Mzila urged. “Such conduct is criminal in nature, and those responsible need to face the full might of the law. We want to work closely with our communities to address this issue and protect the dignity of our sacred spaces.”
