Judge Soma Naidoo postponed the matter to Tuesday 15 December pending a preliminary report which is set to looking into the welfare of his family. A social worker company "Engo" is expected to furnish the court with a report on Tuesday that looks at claims of Mettler being a primary caregiver. 

The report is expected to provide clarity to Judge Naidoo, allowing her to consider facts which can then determine whether Mettler should be kept in custody until sentencing. Mettler was expected to be sentenced on Thursday after being found guilty on four charges pertaining to the theft of the Pierneef painting. Mettler remained in custody pending his sentencing.

It's been said that he stole the painting with the intention of selling it to Bloemfontein businessman, Wei-Lin Hsu, for more than R2 million. He was charged with theft, fraud, money laundering and perjury, pertaining to an affidavit he made about obtaining the multi-million rand piece of art and he was also ordered to appear in court in 2019 after the painting was seized by the Hawks.

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. 

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.

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