JOHANNESBURG — Amid a rash of tombstone thefts from cemeteries in Johannesburg, a company will be offering relatives of the deceased a high-tech solution: microchips that can be inserted into the memorial that will sound an alarm and send a text message if it is disturbed.
The tombstone microchips developed by a private company will be offered at the beginning of next year as part of the city’s “smart” initiatives, said Alan Buff, the manager of Johannesburg City Parks Cemeteries and Crematoriums.
Nearly 20 marble tombstones are stolen monthly from the city’s 36 public cemeteries, despite security guards and perimeter sensors.
“This is peace of mind for the family,” Buff said. “Tombstones are the property of the owner, which is the family member, and you’ll find you cannot insure a tombstone or it’s too expensive for many. By doing this, it is insured.”
