KZN ‘hooligans steal baby Jesus’

The Westville nativity scene display was vandalised at the weekend.

The Westville nativity scene display was vandalised at the weekend.

Published Dec 22, 2014

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Durban - Vandals have damaged and stolen parts of the Westville nativity scene – even a wired-down doll depicting baby Jesus, leaving only its ripped arm behind.

The Christmas display, put together by organisations and volunteers two weeks ago at the intersection of Buckingham Terrace and Attercliffe Road, was damaged on Saturday. Helen Canon, who has overseen the project for nine years, sent out a strongly worded message on the Upper Highway Facebook page.

“To the hooligans who stole baby Jesus and a sheep, you are really not funny or clever at all! What pleasure do you get from trashing your own neighbourhood? Please do the right thing and return them.

“Please (parents) ask your teenagers if they have any information,” she wrote.

The display includes a stable, lighting, props and mannequins.

This year’s organiser, Jennifer Strachan, yesterday repaired the cow’s tail, which had been ripped off, replaced the shepherd’s cloak as well as the baby Jesus doll.

“I have looked all around the area... can’t seem to find the stolen items. Baby Jesus was tied down in the crib with wire. The person pulled it out and left his arm tied to the crib,” she said.

“The sheep was also tied to the stable with wire. Obviously not tied down enough.”

Other damage includes the removal of Joseph’s beard and theft of one of the shepherd’s cloaks. Vandals had also punched holes in the roof and broken the cow’s horn. The cow’s tail was found nearby and repaired.

“We need fibreglass to repair the donkey’s head and camel,” Strachan said.

She said it was not the first time this had happened and it probably would not be the last.

In this “crazy time of year” with increased crime and bad tempers, she said it was up to everyone else to stand firm, and be the light for others who desperately needed it

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Daily News

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