Pretoria – When thieves tried to steal one of the copper frieze panels from Paul Kruger’s statue on Church Square, they did not count on the quick response of the police.
Members of the Federation for Afrikaans Cultural Organisations (FAK) were on a tour in the Pretoria CBD this week when they came across the disgraceful vandalism.
An eyewitness said two vandals jumped over the fence surrounding the statue and tried to steal the frieze but were caught red-handed and arrested by the police.
The FAK was approached by the Tshwane Metro Council to help restore the panel to its former glory.
The date of the restoration will still be announced.
Barry Müller, the cultural organiser of the FAK, says the organisation will always jump at the opportunity to help preserve our heritage.
“The fact that the metro council approached us to take on the restoration project once again confirms the credibility of our proud organisation,” said Müller.
“We are grateful that the police were able to act quickly and save this precious heritage treasure that would probably be destroyed and sold as scrap metal.
“We can’t wait to start the project, it gives you a warm feeling to know you can preserve heritage for the next generation and we do it with pride and dedication.”
There are four copper frieze panels of the image on Church Square and, like the image itself, were created by Anton van Wouw and the four panels depict important events from Paul Kruger’s life.
The panel that was stolen is a depiction of the character of Kruger and shows his heroism and deep care.
The bronze sculpture shows Kruger at Makapaans cave, where he carries the body of commandant Piet Potgieter, the son of the Voortrekker leader, Andries Hendrik Potgieter, over his shoulder outside.
According to the historical account, In September 1854 the Ndebele tribe attacked a Voortrekker group led by AH Potgieter’s brother, Hermanus Potgieter where 28 Voortrekkers were killed.
Piet Potgieter, then commandant general, and Paul Kruger under his field cornet, were fatally wounded during a punitive expedition.
Kruger went to collect Potgieter’s body under the barrage and almost died in the battle himself. Kruger was 29 at the time.
The incident took place on 18 July 2023.
Commenting on the theft of the copper frieze panels from Paul Kruger’s statue, James Boale, a heritage specialist from the metro council, said he was shocked when he heard about it.
“We are going to see the police on Monday and hand over an official letter so that the property can be handed over to the Tshwane Metro Council,” said Boale.
“We are grateful that the police were able to arrest the thugs.”
The FAK said it strongly opposes the destruction, theft, and vandalism of heritage.
