The Siyabuswa police took in seven suspects for questioning in connection with the robbery of beloved Dr Ester Mahlangu. Two of them were charged yesterday and appeared in the Mdutjana Magistrate’s Court today.

Mpumalanga police spokesperson, Brigadier Selvy Mohlala says Simon Kgantshi Skosana and Jan Mlemani Kwati Masilela were arrested after questioning revealed the five other suspects could not be linked to the attack.

“Police had received a tip-off regarding the stolen firearm. During questioning, one suspect pointed to another who had allegedly sold him the gun. This person claimed he had bought it from another suspect, who pointed out another,” said Mohlala.

The gun was allegedly discovered Masilela’s toilet cistern, wrapped in a plastic bag.

“Skosana [allegedly] confessed to breaking into Mahlangu’s house, taking the safe containing cash and a firearm,” says Mohlala.

Mahlangu was robbed and attacked at her residential place in Weltevreden near Siyabuswa on Saturday March 19 around 15:00.

During the robbery, she was reportedly assaulted, strangled and her hands were tied with a cord.

Mahlangu sustained injuries to her face and was discovered by her granddaughter who alerted the neighbours.

After the men’s court appearance, Mohlala says that Skosana will remain in custody until April 20 for a formal bail application while Masilela was released on R3 000 bail and will appear in court again in May.

They face charges of unlawful possession of a firearm and house robbery.