PROJECT: HOUSEBREAKING AND THEFT OF ARTWORK WORTH R1.1 MILLION
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LOCATION: De Handelspost Centre, Beethoven Street, Hartbeespoort, North West
DATE: Sunday, 11 October 2026
TIME OF INCIDENT: Approximately 06:00 - 06:10
CRIME: Housebreaking and theft of valuable artwork
THE CRIME:
Specialised Security Services (SSS) Specialist Investigators are currently at the scene of a housebreaking and theft incident at De Handelspost Centre in Beethoven Street, Hartbeespoort, where sculptures and paintings with an estimated combined value of R1,100,000.00 were stolen.
The incident occurred at approximately 06:10 on Sunday morning, when the perpetrators reportedly forced entry by breaking through the shopfront. Approximately eight sculptures and several paintings were taken. The stolen sculptures include works by recognised artists Roberto Vaccaro and Marke Meyer. A white van without registration plates was reportedly involved in the incident. SSS Specialist Investigators are examining the circumstances surrounding the theft and gathering information that may help identify the perpetrators and recover the stolen artwork.
INFORMATION ABOUT THE SUSPECTS:
The following information has been reported and may assist in identifying those responsible:
Three suspects were reportedly involved in the incident.
The suspects were wearing overalls with reflective strips.
They were travelling in a white van without registration plates.
REWARD OFFERED FOR INFORMATION:
A cash reward is being offered for information that leads to the safe, undamaged recovery of the stolen sculptures or the arrest of the individuals responsible. Members of the public, art dealers, gallery owners, collectors and auctioneers are urged to report all information concerning the whereabouts of the stolen artwork or suspicious attempts to sell or dispose of it. Anyone who witnessed suspicious activity in the vicinity of De Handelspost Centre around the time of the incident, or who has relevant CCTV or dashcam footage, is encouraged to come forward.
CONFIDENTIALITY ASSURED:
All information received will be treated in strict confidence. Please do not confront suspected individuals or attempt to recover the artwork independently.
INDICATIONS OF A TARGETED THEFT:
The nature of the stolen items has raised the possibility that the incident was a targeted theft, potentially carried out on commission. The selection of specific artworks, rather than the indiscriminate removal of merchandise, may indicate that the perpetrators knew which pieces they intended to take and where they could find them.
This remains an investigative consideration and has not yet been established as fact. Investigators will need to determine whether the perpetrators had prior knowledge of the collection, whether particular artworks were requested by a prospective buyer, and whether individuals involved in the theft had access to information about the premises or the value of the pieces.
The substantial value of the stolen collection, combined with the apparent selection of specific artworks, makes it important to investigate potential links between the theft, the transportation of the items and any subsequent attempts to sell or transfer ownership of them.
PUBLIC APPEAL: HELP TRACE THE STOLEN ARTWORK
SSS appeals to art dealers, gallery owners, auctioneers, collectors, antique traders and members of the public to remain alert for the stolen sculptures and paintings.
Anyone who is offered artwork matching the stolen pieces, particularly under unusual circumstances or without verifiable ownership documentation, is urged to report the information to SSS or the investigating authorities. Particular attention should be paid to private sales, online marketplaces, social media listings and transactions involving intermediaries.
Anyone who knowingly possesses, sells, conceals or purchases stolen property may face criminal investigation and prosecution, depending on the circumstances and available evidence. Members of the public should not purchase suspicious items or attempt to recover the artwork independently.
Photographs and video footage are expected to assist investigators in establishing the sequence of events, identifying the vehicle and tracing the stolen property. Anyone with relevant footage or information about the white van without registration plates is encouraged to come forward.
THE INVESTIGATION:
The investigation will focus on the circumstances of entry, the selection and removal of the artwork, the vehicle reportedly used and any available evidence that may identify those responsible or establish where the stolen items were taken.
Information from members of the public, art-market participants and individuals who may have been approached to buy or sell the pieces could be relevant to this process.
The theft of artwork valued at R1.1 million represents a substantial loss and raises concerns about the targeted removal
and potential resale of valuable cultural and artistic property.
The recovery of the sculptures and paintings will depend in part on the preservation of evidence,
the identification of those involved and the timely reporting of relevant information.
SSS urges anyone with information concerning the incident, the white van, the stolen artwork or suspicious transactions involving similar pieces to contact SSS Specialist Investigators or the relevant authorities.
SSS SPECIALIST TASK TEAM:
MR. JACQUES VISSER
Contact number: +27 67 161 2570
Email address: jacquesv@mikebolhuis.co.za
MR. RUAN VISSER
Contact number: +27 67 401 1075 Email address: ruanv@mikebolhuis.co.za
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Regards,
Mike Bolhuis
Specialist Investigators into
Serious Violent, Serious Economic Crimes & Serious Cybercrimes
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