Artworks to the value of R600 000 were stolen from the Daville Baillie Gallery in Norwood on 31 January.
Spokersperson for the gallery, Darren Neophytou, said the robbery took place during the day, with works by contemporary artists being taken.
Gallery manager, Khulani Mtimkulu, who can be seen in the CCTV footage, said one of the suspects arrived at the gallery the same morning, inquiring whether he could bring a few of his own photographs for them to evaluate. Mtimkulu said the man returned at 4pm, carrying a large black bag with some people accompanying him. One suspect produced a gun and told the staff to get on the floor.
Mtimkulu said, “While I was on the ground I looked to my right to get a better view of what was being taken and noticed that they didn’t come to take any phones or computers but [only] particular artworks.”
The video shows that they ignored any form of electronics and only took specific pieces of art.
Neophytou said, “The titles of the stolen works include Studio 29 and Studio 30, by Richard Scott, that are both 1m², and are rendered in mixed media on canvas. Two additional works in mixed media by graffiti-inspired artist, Fringe, were stolen; these are titled Antediluvian I and Antediluvian II and are 110cm by 85cm each. The final work is a small oil painting by Wakaba Mutheki titled Trump.“
He added that members of the public with information regarding the theft could contact Norwood police on 011 483 4600 or Darren Neophytou on 076 793 9292.
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