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Armed Robbers Seize Maps
at University in South Africa

Four armed robbers invaded a university library in Johannesburg, South Africa, September 30 and made off with a collection of 15 rare maps, some of which date back to the 16th century, the BBC reported October 2.

Alan Crump, a professor of fine arts at the University of the Witwatersrand, said the four made off with the engraved, hand-colored maps at midday, shortly before closing time at the William Cullen Library. They appear to have ripped the framed maps off their concrete fittings, broken the glass, and rolled up the maps before leaving.

“These guys are real professionals,” Crump said. “They did not go for individual paintings. They knew exactly what they wanted.” He declined to give a value for the maps, which were made in a number of European countries.

Posted October 9, 2000.

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