A columbarium in Despatch has been vandalised leaving people's ashes scattered all over the grounds.
The columbarium, which is a respectful place where cinerary urns are stored, is situated at the Despatch Cemetary in Voortrekker street.
Police spokesperson Captain Gerda Swart says police were informed about the incident two days ago but no case has been opened with SAPS.
She says police increased their visibility in the area and have asked anyone with information to come forward.
Swart says it would be the responsibility of either the municipality or family members of the deceased to open a case with the police.
Photographs shared on social media showed people's ashes lying all over the floor with some damage to the building itself.
Swart says a few people, with the help of a local councillor, fixed the columbarium's gates on Tuesday.
Several newspapers have reported over the last year that boxes containing the ashes of cremated people were being stolen, reportedly by nyaope smokers looking for ashes to smoke. Several cases have been opened in Gauteng.
Pics: Charl Renison (Facebook)
