Police have arrested and charged a woman over the "devastating" vandalism of numerous children's graves in Papakura Cemetery last month.
As many as 40 graves were desecrated in the cemetery, leaving headstones shattered, crosses ripped up and flowers tossed away.
- READ MORE: Graves desecrated at Papakura Cemetery
The 43-year-old woman's arrest comes as a relief, police say.
Inspector Mark Rowbottom says a team has been working on the case full time for the past few weeks.
Police had released CCTV footage of the individual displaying what they called "strange behaviour", while they damaged graves at around 7pm on May 16.
Vicki Bates, whose daughter Madison's grave was among the damaged, says she doesn't understand how someone could do such a thing.
"I don't know how someone can live with themselves. [The babies] have done nothing to them, so how can you hurt someone like that?"
"It’s a great relief for them and for the families affected to have someone facing charges before the courts," Insp Rowbottom says.
“The circumstances of the damage to the graves was devastating to so many families and we are pleased to have made this arrest for them."
Insp Rowbottom thanked the community and members of public who offered assistance in the case.
3 News
source: newshub archive
