The Simon’s Town Historical Society is offering a R5 000 reward for any information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for the theft of the bronze replica collar and RN sailor cap from the Just Nuisance statue on Jubilee Square in Simon’s Town, or the recovery of the stolen pieces.
The pieces are believed to have been stolen roughly 10 days ago and a case has been opened with the local police. The Historical Society believes the parts were stolen for their metal value but that the sentimental value of them is higher.
The iconic statue is named after Just Nuisance, a male Great Dane born in 1937 in Rondebosch, Cape Town and who was the only dog to ever be enlisted in the Royal Navy.
At an early age, Just Nuisance was sold to Benjamin Chaney, who moved to Simon’s Town to run the United Services Institute (USI). The USI was frequented mainly by the Royal Navy sailors – The Royal Navy being at that time in charge of the Simon’s Town Naval Base. The pooch soon grew to be a massive dog and it was in Simon’s Town that he would come to be a legend.
He was well-known and much loved by many due to his friendly nature and considered all sailors his natural friends. Just got his name due to the fact that he would laze about on the decks of the boats all day and sailors would often say, “You’re just a nuisance, why do you have to lie here of all places?!”
Just died in 1944 and was laid to rest with full military honours. The statue of the dog, his collar and sailors cap place next to him, is a fond reminder of his extraordinary character.
Anyone with information regarding the statue’s missing pieces is urged to contact Officer Piedt of SAPS on 021 786 8646.
All information received will be treated with the strictest confidence.
Picture: Holidaybug.com