https://m.nieuwsblad.be/cnt/dmf20231218_95101910
MALLE -The nativity scene at Malle town hall only contains two shepherds and an empty manger. Mary and Joseph were beheaded on Friday evening. The donkey was damaged and the sheep was also stolen on Saturday. “Who does something like that anyway?”, says a very disappointed mayor Sanne Van Looy (N-VA).
“I deeply regret this a week before Christmas. A nativity scene offers so much coziness. Maria and Joseph are temporarily at the technical service, but are damaged beyond repair. It is not certain whether we will have new images by Christmas. It's going to be tight, but we'll do our best.”
Joseph and Mary. The statues are too badly damaged to be restored.
Joseph and Mary. The statues are too badly damaged to be restored. — © rr
Mayor Van Looy is really disappointed in this kind of behavior that costs the community unnecessary costs. “We invest so much in a clean and pleasant municipality. Next year then plexiglass? Less beautiful, but safer. A report has been filed with the Voorkempen police. The police will ask traders to make camera images available. Hopefully we find the perpetrators. We already have a suggestion for a community service order: temporarily playing the role of living Christmas statues.”
Malle's nativity scene before vandalism, with Mary and Joseph. The donkey is at the back right.
Malle's nativity scene before vandalism, with Mary and Joseph. The donkey is at the back right.
The nativity scene now, with only two shepherds and an empty manger. The Baby Jesus was not yet in it.
MALLE -The nativity scene at Malle town hall only contains two shepherds and an empty manger. Mary and Joseph were beheaded on Friday evening. The donkey was damaged and the sheep was also stolen on Saturday. “Who does something like that anyway?”, says a very disappointed mayor Sanne Van Looy (N-VA).
“I deeply regret this a week before Christmas. A nativity scene offers so much coziness. Maria and Joseph are temporarily at the technical service, but are damaged beyond repair. It is not certain whether we will have new images by Christmas. It's going to be tight, but we'll do our best.”
Joseph and Mary. The statues are too badly damaged to be restored.
Joseph and Mary. The statues are too badly damaged to be restored. — © rr
Mayor Van Looy is really disappointed in this kind of behavior that costs the community unnecessary costs. “We invest so much in a clean and pleasant municipality. Next year then plexiglass? Less beautiful, but safer. A report has been filed with the Voorkempen police. The police will ask traders to make camera images available. Hopefully we find the perpetrators. We already have a suggestion for a community service order: temporarily playing the role of living Christmas statues.”
Malle's nativity scene before vandalism, with Mary and Joseph. The donkey is at the back right.
Malle's nativity scene before vandalism, with Mary and Joseph. The donkey is at the back right.
The nativity scene now, with only two shepherds and an empty manger. The Baby Jesus was not yet in it.
