Internationally renowned Ndebele elderly painter Esther Mahlangu survives violent robbery and assault

Mpumalanga Police are on a manhunt for a lone male suspect for the crime

By Edward Tsumele

Just two days before the country celebrated Human Rights day, South African celebrated  and globally lauded painter  Esther Mahlangu‘s human rights were violated. The 87 year elderly artist was robbed of undisclosed amount of money and has been left with a bruised face in what would rate as one of cruelest criminal incident involving a well known arts personality in recent years.

 The critically acclaimed artist Esther known for her signature Ndebele art  was attacked and robbed over the weekend (Saturday) in Siyabuswa, near Kwa-Mhlanga  by a lone intruder to her house…

Details were still sketchy before CITYLIFE published this edition and as soon as more details are known, we will publish an update of this developing story.

The robbery is said to have been so violent as to leave the artist with bruises on her face as she was assaulted and punched . There was also an attempt to strangle her, police reported.

According to the police the artist found the criminal in her house on Saturday afternoon, who responded by assaulting her and trying strangle her by tying her, leaving the multi-award winning artist for dead. When she gained consciousness, she found her house ransacked, some money and her fire-arm missing, Mpumalanga Police confirmed last night.

The police are on the hunt for the suspect said to be a man.

 “We request anyone with information that could assist with the arrest of the suspect to contact the police.,” said Police spokesperson Selvy Mohlala.

Mahlangu’s Ndebele art pieces continue to be in demand by collectors worldwide. The artist achieved international fame especially after being commissioned by luxury car brand BMW some years back.