âââ LUCKY NKUYANE 12:10 Thu, 10 Dec 2020
The former Free State premier Ace Magashule's driver has just been found guilty in the Free State High Court on four charges pertaining to the theft of a Pierneef painting, worth R8 million, that belonged to the state.
Judge Soma Naidoo says she is satisfied that state prosecutor, Antoinette Ferreira, has proven the state's case against Ricardo Mettler beyond reasonable doubt. Soma found Mettler guilty on four charges of theft, fraud, money laundering and perjury, pertaining to an affidavit he made about obtaining the multi-million rand piece of art.
Soma found Mettler not-guilty on count five - contravening Section 32(13) of the National Heritage Resources Act. The sentencing will follow after a short adjournment.