The Wellington community is furious at the state of its cemeteries in Piet Retief and Champagne streets.
For years now cemetery vandalism has been a recurring problem and no one is closer to solving this problem. Graves are desecrated and illegal activities and looting take place in the graveyards.
The most recent incident of severe grave destruction is that of the Jewish cemetery in Wellington where about 44 graves were destroyed late last year.
Mark Kaufman, executive member of the Paarl/Wellington Hebrew Congregation, said vandalism started plaguing the cemeteries six weeks ago. He said the Jewish cemetery, which is kept separate, has suffered about R300 000 in damage, even though the scourge is not confined to this community’s burial places.
Tombstones have been broken, a new fence has been cut and stolen and a toilet stolen from the on-site synagogue. Kaufman explained the Jewish community in Wellington used the small synagogue for funerals. The building has since been ransacked by trespassers who gained entry via the roof. “They even tried to kick down the door,” said Kaufman referring to shoe prints on the front door of the building.
“There used to be the most beautiful wooden doors at the back of the building, but it has been stolen.
“I am not complaining only on behalf of the Jewish community, but also on behalf of the Wellington community.” Kaufman also explained that the Jewish community gave half of its burial land over for that of people of all religions. Kaufman doesn’t believe the vandalism is motivated by anti-semitism – which is hostility, prejudice or discrimination against Jews – but that the whole cemetery, regardless, is being targeted.
The Paarl Hebrew Congregation offers a R10 000 reward for information leading to a successful prosecution.
More than a week after Paarl Post inquired about the state of local cemeteries, the Drakenstein Municipality had yet to respond.
