Africa-Press – South-Africa. Mpumalanga police have offered a reward of R50 000 to anyone with information about the robbery of world-renowned Ndebele artist Dr. Esther Nostokana Mahlangu, 87.
This after Mahlangu was robbed and attacked at her home in Weldervrede, Siyabuswa, on 19 March 2022.
“During the robbery, the defenceless pensioner was reportedly assaulted and strangled while her hands were tied with a cord.
“The suspect then searched her bedroom and took a safe containing a 7.65mm pistol as well as an undisclosed amount of cash and bundles of keys, then fled the scene,” police spokesperson Brigadier Selvy Mohlala said.
According to police, Mahlangu sustained some injuries to her face. She was found by her granddaughter who alerted neighbours.
“Police at Siyabuswa were then notified, and a robbery case was opened. A manhunt was launched for the unknown suspect, hence an offer of a reward,” Mohlala said.
Esther Mahlangu: She was crying, saying her attacker bound her hands, beat her repeatedly – neighbour
News24 reported that the 87-year-old artist’s neighbour, Nakabini Masango, was among the first people to respond to her cries for help.
“I was at home with my children. I later asked them to go and check up on Mahlangu as we usually do because she stays alone. After they had left, I heard Mahlangu screaming for help.
“As I stepped out of the house, my daughter, Hlobisile, returned screaming that Mahlangu was bleeding. I ran to Mahlangu and found her injured. She was bleeding on her face.
“Mahlangu was scantily dressed. A cloth used to gag her mouth was on her neck. She was crying, narrating how her attacker bound her hands with a cellphone charger and repeatedly beat her up,” Masango said in an earlier report.
Anyone with information that can lead to the arrest of the suspect, the recovery of the stolen items, and the subsequent conviction of the suspect has been urged to come forward.
Police said all information will be treated as confidential.
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