FREE STATE – A subpoena has been issued to a 42 years old suspect to appear before the Bloemfontein Magistrates Court on 2020-03-04, facing charges of fraud, theft, in terms of the Prevention of Organised Crimes Act, Contravention of Sec 9 of The Justices of Peace and Commissioners of Oaths Act, Act 16 of 1963- making false statements in an affidavit; and Contravention of Sec 32 (13) of the National Heritage Resources Act, Act 25 of 1999 – “destroy, damages, disfigure or alter any heritage object”.
It is alleged that the “Pierneef” painting was stolen from the Premier’s office at (OR Tambo building Bloemfontein) during March 2018. The alleged stolen painting was taken to an Auctioneers firm in Gauteng during 2018, to determine the value and to be auctioned. The value of the painting was evaluated at approximately R8 million.
A case docket was registered and handed over to the Hawks for further investigation. The said painting was later seized at the auctioneers by members of the Hawks.
