Esther Mahlangu

Renowned African artist Mam' Esther Mahlangu has been violently attacked and robbed in her home. Image: Sebabatso Mosamo/Sunday Times.

"She noticed a man unknown to her inside the house. “It is shameful to hear that our senior citizens are being targeted by heartless criminals who show no mercy at all. The man grabbed her and punched her in the face before tying her hands with a cable and strangling her until she became unconscious.”

World-renowned Ndebele painter Esther Mahlangu, 87, was attacked on Sunday by an intruder who punched her in the face and strangled her until she lost ...

A cloth used to gag her mouth was on her neck. She was bleeding on her face. "As I stepped out of the house, my daughter Hlobisile returned screaming that Mahlangu was bleeding. On Monday, her swollen face and bruises bore evidence to the attack. I am not ready to address the media, my child," Mahlangu said. I later asked them to go and check up on Mahlangu as we usually do because she stays alone.