By: Natasha Archary
Mpumalanga police are searching for the man who violently attacked Ndebele artist Esther Mahlangu at her home.
The 86-year old, renowned contemporary painter was physically assaulted, strangled and left unconscious.
According to police, the incident took place on Saturday, 19 March at 15h00. Mahlangu who was alone at home, was preparing to take a nap.
She had just locked all the doors but the perpetrator was already inside her home. The man who was unknown to Mahlangu, grabbed her and punched her in the face.
Esther Mahlangu then had her hands tied with a cable, before she was strangled until she lost consciousness.
A firearm and money from the safe in Mahlangu’s home was taken.
Daphney Manamela, Mpumalanga Police Commissioner Lieutenant condemned the incident.
“It is shameful to hear that our senior citizens are now being targeted by heartless criminals who show no mercy at all. On Sunday (20 March 2022) we had an incident of this nature where an old male pensioner was strangled to death in Delmas. This cannot be allowed to continue unabated. The person who committed this evil act against one of the country’s asset must be swiftly hunted down and brought to book”
Mpumalanga’s Police Commissioner Lieutenant Daphney Manamela
Esther Mahlangu was conferred with an honorary doctorate by the University of Johannesburg, 9 April 2018.
Mahlangu lived in Mabhoko Village, Siyabuswa in Mpumalanga.
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