Graffiti artists snapped in the act

Craighall Park resident Norman Barnard has, however, recently stumbled upon a new generation of graffiti artists.

Barnard was taking a stroll along Braamfontein Spruit on 2 September when he saw two unidentified youngsters creating a fresh work of art on the walls of the stormwater drain running under Conrad Drive. He then proceeded to take photos of the young offenders.

“They must be the ones responsible for the graffiti trademarked ‘SPok’,” said Barnard.

Illegal graffiti is a bylaw enforcement issue generally dealt with by Metro police, but policies which make the difference between it being art or an offence depend a number of factors, according to Metro police spokesperson, Superintendent Wayne Minnaar.

“It is not an offence when the owner of the property specifically asks for graffiti to be painted on their walls,” stated Minnaar.

“There are designated places such as the corner of Jan Smuts Avenue and Empire Road for example, where this type of art is not only allowed but is encouraged.”

Minnaar reiterated that there are exceptions to this rule, and further stated that if the owner of the property did not request the graffiti or tags to be painted on their walls, then it becomes a criminal offence.

“The owner of the property can then open a case of malicious damage to property and subsequently have the perpetrators arrested, where they will then have to be charged and appear in a court of law where a judge will decide on the penalties.”