More graffiti discovered

Mistake
Otis Finck
  • 3 Year Ago 05 March 2020 - 2020-03-05 11:13:00
Swakopmund • [email protected]


One of the four visitors that left graffiti-covered road signs and historical ruins behind during their trip to Namibia early in February, has reacted, apologising (via email) on behalf of his friends, not disclosing his name, simply signing it as “thereal_nere”.

The perpetrator was tracked down by Nrupesh Soni in Namibia, who began looking into the case. He discovered three people who live in Lyon (France) who have made a name for themselves there thanks to their graffiti. The fourth appears to be from Canada.

In the email, the visitor describes the Garub ruin as an “abandoned building”.

“Since the building is in ruins and abandoned in the desert, we didn’t think it was of historic importance. I have to admit that it was really childish and reckless of us,” he wrote.

He added: “There is a fine line between art and vandalism, and it seems that we have crossed it this time.”

However, he distanced himself from the vandalism, saying that he was only the driver and photographer, and that he had not participated in painting the graffiti.

In the meantime, it has become known that the group also vandalised numerous other signs and ruins with graffiti during their trip to Namibia, including road and farm signs. Amongst others, the “C19 Solitaire 11” traffic sign was covered in graffiti.

“We have to nip this issue in the bud,” Soni said after more graffiti footage appeared. He fears that other tourists and visitors will see this as the norm and leave even more graffiti behind. He therefore calls on Namibians to stand together and voluntarily remove the paint. “We cannot wait any longer, but we will no doubt still hold them responsible.”

The incident was reported to the French embassy in Windhoek. However, an official view on the issue has yet to be received.
The Namibian ambassador to France, Albertus Aochamub, is also aware of the matter. He said,

“We recommend that formal judicial or criminal proceedings be instituted and charges brought against those accused of these acts. The embassy (in France) will be guided by the outcome of an indictment,” Aochamub said upon enquiry by the AZ on Saturday.