Judge Soma Naidoo says she is satisfied that state prosecutor, Antoinette Ferreira, has proven the state's case against Ricardo Mettler beyond reasonable doubt. Soma found Mettler guilty on four charges of theft, fraud, money laundering and perjury, pertaining to an affidavit he made about obtaining the multi-million rand piece of art. 

Soma found Mettler not-guilty on count five - contravening Section 32(13) of the National Heritage Resources Act. The sentencing will follow after a short adjournment. 

Mettler's initial statement read that he was gifted this valuable piece by Magashule during his move to his new position of ANC Secretary-General. 

Mettler was charged and ordered to appear in court in 2019 after the painting was seized by the Hawks. It's alleged that he stole the painting with intention of selling it to Bloemfontein businessman, Wei-Lin Hsu, for over R2 million.

Contrary to the claims, Magashule testified in court and told the judge when he was vacating the Premier's office, he gave various personal items to different people, including Mettler. He also testified that he did not even know if 'Pierneef' was a painting or an actual person. The state has called a total of 14 witnesses, including his former PA Nomalanga Moroadi Selina Cholota.

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