[MSN] Cape Town, South Africa: Theft from museums and churches on the rise

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Theft from museums and churches on the rise
	
21 January 2008 06:27
Theft of artifacts and "heritage objects" from museums, galleries and
churches is on the rise, said Minister of Arts and Culture Pallo Jordan on
Monday.

"Unfortunately, many of these items have not been recovered," he said in
response to questions in Parliament.

The Department of Arts and Culture had an "inconclusive list" of missing,
lost and stolen items from its heritage institutions. It contained items
stolen from 1990 onwards and included many military artifacts predating the
World War II.

"Many of these are ceremonial daggers, swords and medals that are invaluable
and have an international currency. In fact, they can be traded anywhere in
the world."

The objects varied vastly in value. The cheapest item was a R30 tray cloth
stolen in 1995 from the Northern Flagship Museum. It had not yet been
recovered.

A replica of Chief Albert Luthuli's wrist watch, stolen in 2004, was
recovered later that year.

"Interpol has assisted us in recovering some invaluable heritage items,"
said Jordan.

The South African Heritage Resource Agency had recently started an audit of
"heritage assets".

This list would help curb illegal trafficking in such items.

"Both national legislation as well as international instruments to which
South Africa is signatory obliges government to develop such a list," said
Jordan. -- Sapa