Patience Mbueno, a Sea Point street vendor and artist, has asked the public to refrain from purchasing the artwork that was stolen from him over the Christmas weekend.
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As reported by IOL, Mbueno creates art in Green Point’s Tent City and sells it in Sea Point. The holiday season is his busiest time, but he didn’t know what would become of his efforts. The artwork was stolen at approximately 8pm on 23 December he left it in front of the shop, where he was offered space to keep it. The shop was closed at the time.
A 1.6-by-1.5-foot painting, a 1.2-by-1.5-foot painting, and a zebra painting on canvas material were stolen, as was a 136-by-106-inch Madiba in Beads sculpture.
Mbueno claimed he did everything in his power to find the artwork, including searching and looking at nearby CCTV footage, but to no avail.
Mbueno has been able to temporarily rent a room in the city, paid for with the profits he earns from the sales of his artwork. Depending on how things turn out, he may have to live on the streets until he is able to earn again.
The provincial SAPS spokesperson, Warrant Officer Joseph Swartbooi, stated that Sea Point police are investigating a case of theft.
Anyone with information is urged to call Patience Mbueno at 061 425 6383 or Crime Stop at 0860 010 111.
Read more on IOL.
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Picture: Patience Mbueno / Facebook