Esther Mahlangu’s attacker remanded

The suspect arrested in connection with the attack on renowned African artist Esther Mahlangu at her home has been remanded pending a bail application on April 20.

The robbery accused, Simon Kganshi Skosana, 36, as well as 31-year-old Jan Masilela, who was allegedly found in possession of Mahlangu's stolen firearm, made their first appearances on Friday in the Mdutjana magistrate’s court in Siyabuswa.

Mpumalanga NPA spokesperson Monica Nyuswa said the duo were charged in separate cases as Masilela was not alleged to be involved in the robbery.

Nyuswa said Skosana was charged with robbery with aggravating circumstances.

Masilela was charged with possession of an unlicensed firearm. “[His] case was postponed to May 10 and bail was set at R3,000,” said Nyuswa.

The 87-year-old artist was attacked and robbed at her home in Weltevrede near Siyabuswa on March 19. She was assaulted and her hands were tied with a cord. 

The suspect searched her bedroom and took a safe containing a 7.65mm pistol, an undisclosed amount of cash and bundles of keys before fleeing the scene.

Mahlangu had face injuries. She was later found by her granddaughter who alerted neighbours.

Police offered a R50,000 reward for information about the robbery last week.

Police spokesperson Brig Selvy Mohlala said the arrest of the two suspects was not due to the reward, but due to detective work.

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