A man with reportedly close connections to former Free State premier Ace Magashule, Ricardo Metler, appeared briefly in the Bloemfontein Magistrate's Court on Wednesday in connection with a Pierneef painting that was stolen from the premier's office.
The Daily Maverick reported the Hawks' investigation suggested Metler removed the painting by South African painter JH Pierneef from a safe in Magashule's office in February 2018.
He told the Daily Maverick Magashule had mistakenly given him the painting while he helped him clean out his office when his term as premier came to an end.
The indictment states Metler later arrived at Hsu's premises with the painting wrapped in a blanket.
The indictment stated Metler failed to provide proof in writing from the former premier he had given him the painting as a gift.
