Missing billboard mystery
HOW many uses can one have for a sexy billboard poster?
While many of us may not know, someone who took time to remove one from the N1 highway in Johannesburg definitely has an idea.
The billboard – a big purple advert for the forthcoming Sexpo – was stolen earlier this week. It measured 4.5m x 18m. Rather large for someone to roll up and take home, no?
Maybe it was the big fat pink kiss stain that attracted the thief? Or maybe the idea of anyone else but them going to the Sexpo sent them into a sweat? Will we ever know?
Probably not. The owner of the event, Sean Newman, is thinking of putting up a reward for the missing billboard. “Someone must have been incredibly dedicated to go through all of that hassle,” he said.
According to Newman, the poster was protected by barbed wire and pepper spray.
“I have to give them 10 points for the effort; they managed to get past all of that. I’m convinced it’s sitting on someone’s rooftop right now to help avoid the summer rains.”
He hoped the thief would have a dry room and enjoy the graphics.
The missing billboard has become a great conversation point. “People keep asking me – they stole your what? I’m still shocked,” he said.
The billboard will cost R6 500 to print again, and the cost of the advert space alone is R30 000.
“All I ask, if I do put the ad up again, is for the thief to please wait until next week Sunday night (when the Sexpo ends) to take it down, otherwise I may not even put it up,” Newman said.
The advert’s disappearance has not harmed ticket sales for the health, sexuality and lifestyle expo. “The Sexpo is going ahead,” said Newman. “There’s a big buzz around it. People are happy with the new line-up and what’s in store for them this year.”
The only remaining question he had about the missing billboard was: “Did no-one see it happen?”
The Sexpo will run from October 27-30 at the Nasrec Expo Centre.