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X-RATED: One protester painted a red X on the painting, before the second came and masked the mid-section with black paint. Picture taken from www.iol.co.za

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The controversial painting of President Jacob Zuma in the Goodman Gallery in Johannesburg has been defaced, gallery staff confirmed on Tuesday.

“The work has been painted over with black and red paint,” a spokesman said.

Two men were involved: One man painted an X on the painting, then another came and painted over the 'offending bits'.

Metro FM said the two were a lecturer and his student.

Both men were detained by gallery security staff.

One of the men was seen being dramatically restrained and wrestled to the ground by a security guard.

The painting, called "The Spear" by Brett Murray, had been bought by a German collector for about R136,000.

Both the face and waist section of the painting are now covered in black paint and no longer visible.

• Meanwhile, elsewhere in the city today, a court hearing over the painting was in progress.

Thursday was set down as the date for a full bench of the High Court in Johannesburg to hear the ANC’s application to have a painting depicting President Zuma with his genitals exposed taken down.

Judge Kathree Setiloane said: “This is a matter of great national importance”.

The date was set after a quick hearing in the packed court. It was over in 15 minutes, with the judge moving on to other matters.

During the application, the judge was told that Zuma’s children would also be joining the case to have the painting “The Spear” removed from the Goodman Gallery. It was not immediately clear which of Zuma’s children were joining the case.  

Artist Brett Murray, who created the painting, had also applied to be part of proceedings.

The postponement allowed for all parties to file further papers to the court.

It is not yet clear whether this case will proceed, given that the painting has been defaced.

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Wed May 22 17:50:21 SAST 2013 ::

May 22, 2012

Eraser

awuleth' umshini ka JZzzz..awulethi umshini wakheeeee, umshini waaaakheeeee.."singing"

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May 22, 2012

MGEEZ

I say give that men a bells for excercing his freedom of expression!!!!
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May 22, 2012

mambaaai

ok...............
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May 22, 2012

TKay

Enough about this painting maan!!!!
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May 22, 2012

SKIZOBANTWANA

They should have just removed it completely.. B L O O DY M O RONS !!!
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May 22, 2012

Xovizwe

Thank you Comrades, you are Heroes, your names will be written in the Wall of Fame!!!!
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May 22, 2012

MGEEZ

Police are on their way to the scene.
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Remember the police report to Mdluli and Mthetwa; so there is no way that men will see jail for excercing his freedom of expression

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May 22, 2012

DJWinner

It is his freedom of expression, isn't he?

Let's hear what racists have to say now.....
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May 22, 2012

Xovizwe

All Black South African should rejoice and praise these brave comrades who stood by us!!! If I got a chance I would have bunt it first!!
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May 22, 2012

Danielrjvv1

It is destruction of property and further more a R130k destruction of property, good luck to the two who did this as they will have some jail time and a hefty fine.
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