The naked truth ... found in a rock pool

Video

GEORGE NEWS AND VIDEO - 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.

This incident took place on Saturday 15 March, in full view of visitors to the beach and surrounding areas. The camper, who wishes to stay anonymous, said the ceremony went on for about two hours.

"Some of the women looked underage," he said.

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 exactly was thrown into the water, and why.

In George Herald's edition of 13 March (p 6), 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," said 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," said 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 said it's the first time ever that they've been called out to a nudist scene. He said there were a lot of children in the group.

The ceremony at Victoria Beach went on for about two hours.

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.

George Municipality encourages the public to report such matters directly during work hours to law enforcement on 044 801 6350/89 or 044 801 6311 (after hours).