[imagesource:123RF/zambezi]

South Africa’s oldest wine-producing estate, the iconic Groot Constantia, is calling for urgent help in recovering a priceless piece of history—a massive slave brass bell, brazenly stolen and hauled off somewhere despite weighing 110 kilograms.

Or maybe because it weighs something like a small elephant, the old relic has proven to be well worth the effort.

This symbol of the estate’s storied heritage has gone missing, leaving behind an echo of the past that the farm hopes to restore.

“We are reaching out to inform you of a recent theft that occurred in our community. A brass bell, has been stolen and we are seeking your assistance in recovering it,” the estate said in a notice shared on social media.

SowetanLIVE notes that the 300-year-old bell from the Hoop op Constantia homestead circa 1716 is about 30 to 35 centimetres in height and width and is notable for its green discolouration.

Image: Groot Constantia

“The theft of heritage objects is a serious criminal offence that continues to rob South Africans of irreplaceable national assets. These valuable objects help us understand and recognise our past and contribute to creating an inclusive South Africa,” said Iziko Museums acting CEO Dr Bongani Ndhlovu.

Groot Constantia Estate CEO Jean Naudé was grateful for efforts by the community to find the bell but emphasised that the search was not over. A criminal case was opened at the Diep River police station.

Folks are urged to contact Groot Constantia on 021 794 5128 if they have information that can lead to the recovery of the bell or Crime Stop on 08600 10111.

Ward 62 councillor Emile Langenhoven says anyone with information can also contact him.

“I also ask that scrap yard owners be aware and not accept this item or, invariably, parts of this item, and that it should be reported to the Diep River SAPS immediately,” he said.

He notes via Daily Voice that the bell was a prestigious tourist attraction in Ward 62.

“Groot Constantia is the first wine farm to be established in South Africa by Simon van der Stel, and the bell represents the painful past of slavery in the Cape.

“It forms part of our cultural heritage and has significance in the tourism market, which ultimately generates employment for many who live outside of Constantia,” Langenhoven said.

Perhaps the ghosts and ancestors have unfinished business.

[source:sowetanlive]