Malicious damage to Wall of Remembrance at Wellington Cemetery prompts police inquiry
According to the Drakenstein Municipality, 62 of the 70 occupied niches in the memorial wall were damaged during the incident, with marble stones shattered and inscriptions completely defaced.
Image: Supplied
Police have launched an investigation into a shocking case of malicious damage to property after the Wall of Remembrance at the Wellington Cemetery was vandalised, leaving dozens of niches defaced and some cremated remains removed.
According to the Drakenstein Municipality, 62 of the 70 occupied niches in the memorial wall were damaged during the incident, with marble stones shattered and inscriptions completely defaced.
The Wall of Remembrance has a total of 360 niches.
Municipal officials described the attack as an “appalling act of vandalism”, with Mayor Stephen Korabie expressing dismay at the level of disrespect shown.
“We strongly condemn the disgraceful act of vandalism committed at the Wall of Remembrance,” said Korabie.
“These actions show a shocking disrespect for our community and its values. To be able to do that to the final resting place of someone’s loved one fills me with disdain.”
Korabie confirmed that some of the cremated remains had been removed during the incident, with only 36 sets of remains recovered by officials at the site.
These have since been placed in safekeeping at a municipal facility. The whereabouts of the remaining remains are unknown.
Investigation launched after malicious damage to Wellington Cemetery's Wall of Remembrance.
Image: Supplied / Drakenstein Municipality
“The marble stones purchased by the aggrieved families were shattered into pieces and many were completely defaced,” he said.
The municipality has pledged to support affected families and will launch a public participation process to determine the future of the memorial wall.
“As the municipality continues to engage with the affected families, we will embark on an extensive public participation process to discuss possible courses of action for the future of the Wall of Remembrance to ensure a dignified and lasting solution,” said Korabie.
Police spokesperson, Wesley Twigg, confirmed that a case of malicious damage to property had been opened.
“Kindly be advised that a malicious damage to property case was registered for investigation following an incident at a cemetery on July 21 in Wellington,” said Twigg.
“The circumstances surrounding the incident are under investigation and no arrests have been made yet.”
Police have urged anyone with information that could assist the investigation to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or use the MySAPS mobile application anonymously.
The municipality reiterated its commitment to working closely with the SAPS to ensure those responsible are brought to justice.
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