NELSPRUIT – The expensive Salvador Dali etching that was stolen from the Mbombela art gallery two months ago, is still missing along with two other pieces.
The total worth of the three pieces are estimated at approximately R100 000 and includes the Dali etching called Sorcieres an balia (Witches with broom), valued at R90 000, Tinus de Jongh’s Entrance to Leeuwenhof valued at R8 000 and Margaret Chilton’s Coloured Circles valued at R1500.
The gallery’s interim curator, Ms Marietjie Henning, only noticed that these pieces were missing upon closing on Tuesday, August 6. At this stage the motives for the theft is still unclear,” Ms Bessie Pienaar of Mbombela Municipality told Lowvelder shortly after the theft. She added that it baffled them that there was no sign of forced entry.
“The gallery is open from 08:00 to 16:00 daily and is kept under surveillance by two security guards and CCTV cameras,” Pienaar explained.
Two months later and the situation has not changed. “However, additional security guards have been appointed and they are up to the task,” Pienaar assured.
She added that the case is still pending from the investigation side. No recoveries have been made so far. “Regarding security measures, the cameras have been restored and additional security guards have been appointed.”
According to Pienaar other proposed security measures are still to be attended as they require a budget. “Regarding the insurance repayment, this has not been done yet, however the assessor from the insurance did visit the gallery. Regarding the issue of a permanent manager, this is still pending as the manager has not been appointed yet, as we are waiting for HR to advertise the position. However the advertisements have been prepared. As to the matter of time frames, at present the situation is being is attended to.”
The Dali etching was made in 1968 and the Mbombela council bought it in 1980 to add to the collection. Chilton’s artpiece is an original handmade tile.
The Mbombela Art Gallery, situated in Van Riebeeck Street, also houses works of the well-known artist Zakkie Eloff along with those of Bettie Cilliers Barnard and Walter Battiss.
It was opened in June 2012 with the purpose of giving the public the opportunity to view famous art works.
Capt Dawie Pretorius, spokesman for the Nelspruit police, confirmed the incident and said that a case of theft had been opened.
“We are investigating the incident. Anyone with information about the burglary, can contact Const Fred Meyer on 013-759-1008 or 082-359-8440.”
