Mpumalanga Safety and Security MEC Vusi Shongwe has proposed that world renowned Ndebele artist Esther Mahlangu’s residential vicinity be regarded as a National Key Point. He says the proposal will be sent to the Premier’s office.
In her visit to Mahlangu’s home in Emthambothini near Siyabuswa on Wednesday, Premier Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane confirmed that they had already assigned the police to assess the issue of security.
“What we have done so far, we have assigned the responsibility to the police to assess what kind of security upgrade should be done at Esther Mahlangu vicinity. Then they will write us a report. Based on that, we will go to the family and explain what we are going to do. Actually, we have already explained to her during our meeting.”
Shongwe says they are hopeful that an arrest will be made soon.
“The only problem with you journalists is that you are not the police. We have a special team of investigators that are looking into this matter and we are looking into the matter and we are expecting a soon arrest of perpetrators (sic).”
Cases of this nature are common in the area.
Esther Mahlangu Foundation Secretary George Mashiane says he hopes this visit will yield results.
“Robberies are something that is worrying the whole nation. That’s why we are saying if it could happen to Gogo Ester, it can happen to anybody. We are just hoping that this visit will bring some action to look after this icon. Let us make sure that we see some action of making sure that we protect this icon.”
Mahlangu has been released from hospital after she was admitted on Saturday. She is not granting any interviews as she is still recovering.
