Four boys nabbed for vandalizing Chibichiri Gama

Kadena Police have arrested four boys on suspicion of vandalizing Chibichiri Gama cave in Namihira, Yomitan Village. The cave is a memorial for 85 local people who committed mass suicide during the Battle of Okinawa.

The four suspects were taken into custody of the Okinawa Prefectural Police department on Friday. They have reportedly admitted to the allegation. Police say the boys are 16 to 19 years of age and all live in the central Okinawa.

When 69-year-old Shoichi Chibana, a guide for peace tours, discovered the damage on Tuesday, he noticed a signboard near the entrance pulled up and thrown away, and Senbazuru, a string of a thousand paper cranes made by local children scattered on the ground. Pottery and other items inside the cave were also broken.

Police inspected the cave Tuesday and apprehended the suspects on Thursday and Friday.

23:56 29 Mar , 2024