Two arrested for brutal Esther Mahlangu attack

The 87-year-old artist was robbed at her home at Siyabuswa near Kwamhlanga some two weeks ago.

Her personal firearm and an undisclosed amount of cash were taken.

On Thursday, Mpumalanga Premier Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane visited the Mahlangu home.

Following her visit, she confirmed that two men believed to be above the age of 40 were arrested earlier in the day.

The first suspect was found in possession of Mahlangu's firearm.

"Upon his arrest, we then probed further to say where exactly did he get this gun from. He managed to successfully take us to where he bought the gun from. It was another gentleman. We followed him up and he was arrested.

"We have not arrested the wrong people. We have arrested the right people who were engaged in this activity of breaking through Gogo's house," said Mtshweni-Tsipane. 

READ: Prominent Ndebele artist Esther Mahlangu assaulted, robbed

Five others who were linked to the crime have turned into state witnesses.

"The others are witnesses to that effect. They were not necessarily active participants in the process, but they are the ones that also led us to where we are today," Mtshweni-Tsipane added.

According to Mtshweni-Tsipane, security at the house has been beefed up, but a decision is yet to be made on additional security upgrades to the property.

"An assessment is about to be concluded and upon conclusion of that report, it will then come to us so that we look at it and we put a budget in accordance with the recommendation.

"It is work that is underway."

Mahlangu, who briefly emerged from her house, is said to be in good spirits.