Residents of a community in Durban, South Africa, have expressed both confusion and anger after reports surfaced of groups of men using a local cemetery to watch pornography and perform sex acts on gravestones. The bizarre trend has involved at least four separate incidents of graveside masturbation at Wick Street Cemetery, as well as in the dense bushes surrounding the site.
Well-Dressed Men Unfazed by Confrontation
While an initial report by local security forces suggested the men responsible might be homeless drug users, multiple residents have since described the assailants as 'well dressed' and carrying smartphones. Local woman Amanda Daniso told reporters that the men appear completely unfazed when confronted by angry residents. “They are chased with stones and other things, but they don't stop until they are finished,” she said. “They can see that you see them. You can shout and chase them, but they don't stop until they finish, then take their stuff and leave.”
Authorities Struggle to Verify and Respond
Reaction Unit South Africa spokesman Prem Balram said initial reports had been difficult to verify because the times of the incidents could not be confirmed. However, a private security company subsequently sought the national crime unit’s help after several residents reported witnessing men performing solo sex acts in the cemetery over several months. Balram said: “It’s obviously escalating and we have since committed to assist the community, step up patrols and try to create a deterrent to avoid them from entering the graveyard.”
Concerns for Children and Legal Action
There are also concerns that children living in neighbouring flats could see the men or hear the explicit material they reportedly play on their phones. Balram added: “One child allegedly overheard a pornographic video being played. It’s believed that these perpetrators obviously have some sort of fetish and have no consideration for the public, children or anybody.” The eThekwini Municipality described Wick Street Cemetery as one of its oldest burial grounds and said sexual activity at gravesites breached cemetery bylaws. Officials have instructed Durban Metropolitan Police to increase patrols around the site, while security companies are also attempting to deter the men from entering, as well as using drones to monitor the area. Police said the reported behaviour could constitute indecent exposure and urged witnesses to come forward. Nobody has yet been arrested.
