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A solid metal cast panel, last restored by world-renowned sculptor Anton Momberg in 1992, was stolen from the Cenotaph in Rink Street on Thursday morning.
The stolen panel depicts men saying farewell to their families before leaving for the War. It weighs about 40kg and holds significant heritage value.
The Historical Society of Port Elizabeth has offered an unspecified reward to anyone for its return in an undamaged state.
Chairperson of the society, Graham Taylor, said all scrap yards have been notified, and he says the panel is of no commercial value.
Following the vandalism and theft, the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality commenced with the removal of the remaining panels to prevent further damage to the iconic First World War Memorial.
Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture, Mayoral Committee Member, Cllr Bassie Kamana condemned the incident.
He said the remaining panels will be stored in a safe place.
"We believe the panels were stolen as they are made of precious metal, bronze," said Kamana.
A case has been opened with the police and the Metro's internal anti-vandalism unit.
The Cenotaph was sculptured by James Gardener in 1929 to commemorate the men who died in the First World War (1914- 1918).
Those who fell in the Second World War (1939 - 1945) are commemorated as well.
Caption: R&R Aesthetics assisted the metro with the removal of the remaining panels. The company specialises in heritage restoration.
