Sacred Shrine Desecrated: Heritage Site Vandalised

Grave Theft Follows Break-In at National Monument

Public outrage has erupted following a brazen act of vandalism at the Mowbray Cemetery, a designated national heritage site. The Kramat of Sayed Moegsin Bin Alawi, a revered Muslim holy person, was severely damaged on Tuesday evening, marking a disturbing escalation of criminal activity.

Pattern of Targeted Attacks

This violation follows a recent theft where the katal, a bier used for transporting the deceased, was stolen from the same grounds. The Moslem Cemetery Board expressed deep concern, stating, “The confluence of these incidents reveals an emerging pattern of targeted criminality that strikes at the core of religious reverence, heritage preservation, and communal dignity.”

Despite recent security upgrades including CCTV cameras, motion-sensitive alarms, and additional burglar bars, criminals remain undeterred. The board has initiated immediate engagement with the South African Police Service (SAPS), the Muslim Judicial Council (MJC), and the Cape Mazaar Society (CMS) to ensure a thorough investigation and prosecution.

Community Outcry and Calls for Justice

Advocate **Yusuf Khan Dalwai**, Public Relations Officer for the Cape Mazaar Society, conveyed profound sadness and shock. He stated, “This is not only vandalism of a sacred site but an attack on our community. We call on the authorities to do a thorough investigation and bring the perpetrators to justice.”

“This criminal act is deeply disturbing and must be understood as vandalism, theft, and the desecration of sacred heritage. The Kramat of Sayed Moegsin Bin Alawi is not only a site of Islamic significance, but a repository of the collective memory of the Muslim community of South Africa…”

—Sheikh Riad Fataar, President of the MJC

The MJC condemned the act as a “flagrant affront to religious and cultural sensibilities” and a violation of laws protecting religious sites. The Moslem Cemetery Board urged the public, faith-based organisations, and civil society to remain vigilant in preserving sacred burial spaces.

Such acts of vandalism against heritage sites are unfortunately not uncommon. In the UK, for instance, hundreds of historical sites reported vandalism in 2023 alone, highlighting a broader challenge in protecting cultural landmarks (English Heritage).