Watch: The naked truth… found in a George rock pool
A witness to a ceremony at a rock pool, in which people were baptised naked, says a substance was put into the water.
A camper at Victoria Bay, visiting all the way from Gauteng, couldn’t believe his eyes when he bore witness to a group of women being baptised stark naked in a rock pool by a person dressed in religious attire.
According to an article published by George Herald, the incident took place on March 15, in full view of visitors to the beach and surrounding areas. The camper, who wishes to stay anonymous, says the ceremony went on for about two hours.
“Some of the women looked underage,” he says.
Another thing that bothered him is the fact that an unknown substance was added to the water in the rock pool, which gave it a milky appearance. It is unclear what was thrown into the water, and why.
In George Herald’s edition of March 13, an article was published on the slaughtering of a goat on Wilderness Beach – also for religious purposes. This incident led to a public outcry when it was shared on a local WhatsApp group.
“While citizens have the right to practise their religion, culture and whatever else they want, others also have rights. Being naked on a beach is illegal,” says the camper.
The Wilderness Defence Force (WDF) was called for help. They contacted the police and visited the scene. “Our members observed the group, who had finished with their ceremony by the time we arrived,” says WDF operational manager Anwill Januarie. “When the police arrived, they had a conversation with the group.”
It is not clear which denomination the group belonged to, or why the ceremony was conducted in public. George Herald is awaiting feedback from the police.
Januarie says it’s the first time that they’ve been called out to a nudist scene. He says there were a lot of children in the group.
By-laws
The applicable public amenities by-law states that no person in a public amenity may expose his or her body or dress indecently; whereas the public nuisance by-law states that no person may bathe or wash themselves, an animal, clothing or any article in a public stream, pool, water trough, hydrant, fountain or any place not designated by the municipality for such activities.
“The municipality acknowledges and respects the cultural and traditional practices of all communities. However, these activities must be conducted in a manner that does not contravene municipal by-laws or negatively impact other members of the public,” says municipal spokesperson Chantèl Edwards.
Supplied video: One of the church members takes part in a ceremony
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Read original story on www.georgeherald.com
