World-renowned Ndebele Artist Dr Esther Mahlangu was attacked and nearly strangled to death in a robbery. According to the police, the incident took place on Friday at Esther’s home in Siyabuswa.
It is said that the elder was preparing to go to bed, and she had locked all the doors when she realized that there was a man she did not know inside her house. The man then grabbed her and punched her in the face, then after he sat her in the chair and tied her up. Then the man strangled her until she was unconscious.
The elder said she couldn’t recall what transpired after that but noticed that her house had been looted and damaged when she returned to consciousness.
The robbers broke into her safe and took her firearm, her money and most of her belongings in the house.
The police claim that Mrs Mahlangu suffered injuries and bruises to her face and that she is the one who reported the robbery to the police.
The police said a robbery case had officially been opened and launched a search on the attacker.
Dr Esther Mahlangu is one of the most sought after artists in the world.
She made a name for herself as a Ndebele cultural painter. Dr Mahlangu’s paintings boast her Ndebele heritage.
Her art references can be found in traditional jewellery and clothing. Her art is characterized by big, bold and colourful Ndebele patterns that are unmissable.
Her work is exhibited internationally, and her paintings have become private art collections seen in the Contemporary Africa Art Collections.
The incident had shocked the nation and sparked conversations around crime rates in South Africa. Many noted that the elder had owned a gun to protect herself from the very criminals who attacked her.
The police said they hadn’t made any arrest and that the criminal was still at large and advised people to be careful of him as he was still carrying Gigi’s gun.
Dr Esther Mahlangu stayed by herself as her husband, and two of her sons passed away.
The police also urged anyone with any information to come forward or report anonymously on their toll-free numbers.