Charges have been laid against the owners of an historical church in KwaZulu-Natal’s (KZN) Ixopo area after it was demolished over the festive season, the province’s heritage body said on Tuesday.
Amafa/Heritage KwaZulu-Natal CEO Barry Marshall said the church dated back to the closing years of the 19th century.
”All built structures more than 60 years old are protected under the KZN Heritage Act of 1997 and the South African National Heritage Resources Act of 1999,” Marshall said in a statement.
The church was demolished over a 48-hour period, which started on Christmas Eve.
Marshall said a permit needed to be obtained from Amafa at least 30 days before any work on any structure could be undertaken.
He said municipal regulations stated that one would also need to have sent a separate application to the relevant local authority for alteration or demolition.
The church was built by the Wesleyan Church and included a community school with several classrooms.
Marshall said Amafa only became aware of the demolition after a resident reported it.
”Unfortunately, we weren’t able to prevent the demolition but we will ensure those responsible are prosecuted,” he said. — Sapa