Vehicle destroys statue
Vandals stole the remaining pair of boots as well as the plaque on the statue.
BETHAL – As if the Nokuthula Simelane statue has not been through enough as it was vandalised and dragged behind a bakkie a few years ago, an alleged drunk driver recently drove into the statue causing damage to three pairs of bronze boots behind the statue.
The driver allegedly left the damaged vehicle and fled the scene.
According to a source, the police recovered the car the next morning and traced the owner.
The police were still investigating, when vandals stole the remaining pair of boots as well as the plaque on the statue.
According to the source, the case was short lived as police closed the investigation when they searched for the stolen items from surrounding scrapyards and found nothing.
The investigation into the alleged drunk driver that drove into the statue, is still ongoing.
Information regarding the accident and vandalism were requested from the Bethal Police, but they could not respond at the time of going to press.
Mr Henry Masango, head of marketing and communications of the Govan Mbeki Municipality, said: “We noted the vandalism of this important heritage site with bitterness, especially when it is being done to dissipate the courageous history of the struggle for a free, united and prosperous South Africa.
“An investigation is being conducted to determine the extent of the damage, and to bring those responsible to book.”
People with information that can help the police, can contact Const Mapule Tlou at 079 891 5354.
