[MSN] Police and private investigators have made a breakthrough in probing the theft of artworks in Pretoria, seizing paintings and sketches worth hundreds of thousands of rands in a raid on a local syndicate.

[MSN]

 Police nail stolen art syndicate

By Graeme Hosken

Police and private investigators have made a breakthrough in probing the
theft of artworks in Pretoria, seizing paintings and sketches worth hundreds
of thousands of rands in a raid on a local syndicate.

The syndicate, which allegedly specialises in the theft and sale of famous
South African artworks, was cracked following the theft of more than 50 Otto
Klar works from a Pretoria businessman earlier in February.

A suspect, who was arrested during a sting operation in the city on Monday,
allegedly stole 52 Otto Klar paintings and sketches along with an Adriaan
Boshoff painting when he broke into a house in Wonderboom South.

South African artists Klar and Boshoff are world-renowned for their
paintings. Klar's works sell for between R8 000 and R10 000 while Boshoff's
works can sell for more than R50 000.

Private investigators from Specialised Security Services (SSS), which
investigate serious violent crimes and serious economic crimes, along with
police recovered three of the Klar paintings on Tuesday at the home of the
suspect's mother in Wonderboom South.

A further 17 were recovered at the house of an art salesman in Waterkloof,
along with the Boshoff piece, which was recovered from an art rep's house in
Waterkloof Ridge.

Businessman Andre Prinsloo, whose home was burgled, said he had been
extremely upset when he discovered the theft.

Prinsloo, who has been collecting paintings and sketches by Klar and Boshoff
for the past 20 years, said the works were extremely valuable especially as
both artists had died.

"These pieces can never be replaced. Once they are gone they are gone," he
said.

He added that he had been collecting the artists' works for investment
purposes.

SSS head Mike Bolhuis said the suspect had been traced while selling his
loot through the Junk Mail.

"At this stage we believe that he may have been involved in a larger network
specialising in the theft of art and that he may have been selling stolen
art to other syndicates," he said.

Bolhuis said during the raid on the Waterkloof Ridge home they, with the
help of the Tshwane Metro Police, recovered the Adriaan Boshoff piece.

The painting, according to Prinsloo, is valued at R65 000. It had been sold
to the art rep for R25 000.

Bolhuis said that the art rep had led them to the hideout of the alleged
suspect.

"So far we have recovered 20 of the stolen Klar works and are hoping to
recover the remaining pieces soon," he said.

Tshwane Metro Police Superintendent Mark Newham, whose unit was involved in
the recovery of the Adriaan Boshoff painting, said the suspect had been
charged with possession of stolen property, house breaking and theft.

He said the man would be appearing in court soon.

Anyone who has information on the whereabouts of Prinsloo's Otto Klar
collection or any other stolen art works can contact Mike Bolhuis on 082 447
6116.



    * This article was originally published on page 4 of The Pretoria News
on February 13, 2008