This, after the case against the 42-year-old suspect, Ricardo Mettler, was postponed by the Bloemfontein Magistrate's Court for 26 October until 13 November for plea and trial purposes.

The painting, by legendary South African landscape artist Jacobus Hendrik Pierneef, was allegedly stolen from the OR Tambo Building in Bloemfontein during Magashule’s tenure and taken to an auctioneering firm in Gauteng to determine its value and to be auctioned.

It has been reported that the painting was allegedly among Magashule's personal belongings when he vacated his Bloemfontein office, and that it was given to Mettler as a goodbye-gift when Magashule took up the ANC Secretary-General position at Luthuli House.

According to media reports, Mettler admitted receiving the painting as a gift from Magashule.

The painting then ended up with a local businessman, who approached auctioneers to determine the value of the painting. The auctioneer placed an advertisement – including a photo of the Pierneef painting - which was noticed by Free State authorities, who then discovered the artwork was missing. The auctioneers reported the matter to the police.

The painting, which was valued at approximately R8 million, was then seized by the Hawks.

The Hawks' Free State spokesperson, Lynda Steyn, previously told OFM News Mettler is also facing charges in connection with contravening Section 32(13) of the National Heritage Resources Act, making false statements in an affidavit, and in terms of the Prevention of Organised Crime Act, among others.

OFM News