Police have arrested two men who are reportedly connected to the robbery and assault of world-renowned Ndebele artist Dr Esther Mahlangu.
This was confirmed by Mpumalanga Premier Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane, reports EWN.
According to Police spokesperson Brigadier Selvy Mohlala, the two men were arrested on Thursday and are aged 32 and 37. While seven suspects were called in for questioning, one was found in possession of Mahlangu’s gun, as per News24.
The 87-year-old celebrated artist was attacked in her home on 19 March. She was said to be assaulted before the suspects took off with her safe which contained her firearm.
In order to catch the culprits, police were offering a R50 000 for any information pertaining to the robbery. Unfortunately, this did not yield any results.
“The suspects were arrested through dedication shown by our investigators. They pounced on the first suspect around 02:00 at Mogononong in Siyabuswa. He was found in possession of a 7. 65 mm pistol with its serial number filed off.
“The firearm was hidden in the toilet cistern, wrapped with a plastic bag. He then pointed to the second person who allegedly sold him the gun. The second person claimed he bought it from the third person who pointed out a fourth person claiming he sold him the gun,” stated Police spokesperson Brigadier Selvy Mohlala.
The suspect, aged 37, allegedly confessed to breaking into Mahlangu’s house and taking off with the safe containing the firearm and cash.
The two suspects will appear in court and face charges related to the possession of an unlawful firearm and house robbery. Their appearance is expected in court on Friday, 8 April.
Despite her ordeal, Mahlangu has indicated that she would like to head to court and face her attackers for the first time.
Also read:
South Africa’s 87-year-old gem of an artist Esther Mahlangu attacked and robbed
Picture: BMW
