MUST READ: Gardeners of Eden shed light on BHP vandalism
“Vandalism is a crime, and the local police should play their role in ensuring perpetrators are stopped in their tracks."
A local band – Gardeners of Eden – was the topic of discussion after vandals targeted various buildings and homes in Barry Hertzog Park, during the month of June.
The link to the band were markings, which were identified as the band’s logo, and spray painted onto post boxes, walls of private homes and other places in the residential area.
However, band member Mavela Mthethwa, said the vandalism was not the band’s doing, nor did it condone actions such as these.
“While we are overwhelmed by the positive support our band has received throughout its journey and the continued support of its fans, we must state we do not support vandalism by anyone. If this is a result of our fans, we ask they share their creative talents in another manner.”
Mthethwa said members were aware of the vandalism, but felt it showcased the band in a negative light.
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He requested the local community refrain from vandalising private property as a means of ‘support’ for the band, if that was indeed the case.
“Vandalism is a crime, and the local police should play their role in ensuring perpetrators are stopped in their tracks,” he continued.
“As a brand, we can only ask our fans to support us in legal and positive ways. We do not advise or support vandalism in any manner or means. Our fans have supported us through music sales, attending music events and buying merchandise, and we will continue to ask that they support us through such means only.”
Mthethwa said the band sought to create a positive movement within the youth, and to encourage their fans to live a crime-free lifestyle.
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“As a result of this unfortunate turn of events, we will be releasing a new song in September intended to address the above issues and to state how we feel about what has transpired.”
“As a voice for Newcastle arts, we would like to make it clear that embracing the brand should be done on the social media pages we’ve created, and not through criminal activities,” he concluded.
