WELL-KNOWN sculptor Joseph Munemo has described the theft of his wooden sculpture piece titled "Welcome" weighing over 120kg as barbaric. The Murewa-based sculptor said the piece, which depicts a coffee table, was stolen while he was still working on the other three side tables worth US$1 800.

"It took me about two months sculpting the coffee table hoping to finish it by January 2, but unfortunately it was stolen before I could put all the pieces together.

"This is one of the most barbaric acts I have ever encountered in my life," he said.

According to Munemo, he reported the theft to the police who have since started investigations into the matter.

"This is not just an ordinary sculpture, I named it 'Welcome' since it is a table where I get to sit with my visitors," he said.

The award-winning sculptor has over 40 years' experince in wood sculpting.

"I was hoping to raise school fees, but now that it is stolen I don't know what I am going to do," he said.

Munemo at one point worked with the Child Survival Foundation, a charity organisation founded by the late First Lady Cde Sally Mugabe.