Subpoena issued over ‘theft’ of Pierneef painting from Magashule’s office
Details surrounding the alleged theft of an iconic Pierneef painting from former Free State Premier Ace Magashule's office are set to be laid bare.
A subpoena has been issued to a 42-year-old suspect facing charges of fraud and theft.
The painting - valued at R8 million - disappeared from Magashule's office as he was packing up his office to assume his new role as African National Congress (ANC) secretary-general at Luthuli House.
The painting is by renowned South African landscape artist JH Pierneef.
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The police’s Lynda Steyn says the suspect is expected to appear in the Bloemfontein Magistrate's Court on March 4.
The painting was seized by the Hawks in Gauteng two years ago - ready for it be auctioned.
Art firm Strauss & Co previously said that auctioneers found it unusual for a valuable painting of Pierneef to come to their offices without any attachment of origins.