As the world prepares to commemorate the birthday of the first South African statesman, Nelson Mandela, his house has been burgled and an R50 000 boxing belt is missing.

Entertainment SA has gathered that the Mandela house situated in Vilakazi Street in Soweto, has been broken into and the burglars walked away with a valuable asset.

The boxing belt was handed to the late ex-African National Congress president by the United States legend Sugar Ray Leonard and a case was opened with the police on July 2.

Speaking for the police in Gauteng, Colonel Dikamakatso Sello has confirmed that the belt has been stolen but the men in blue are yet to make any arrests as yet.

“There are no suspects arrested and police are investigating,” she said as per TimesLIVE.

“Anyone who may have information about this incident is requested to contact the police on the crime stop hotline at 08600-10111 or on the MySaps app. All information received will be treated as strictly confidential.”

As quoted by Central Boxing Club in Luxembourg, Leonard reminisced about his first encounter with the former Nobel Peace winner, saying Madiba that he inspired him.

“I was in South Africa and was invited to dinner at his house. I go to the front door and he answers it. Can you imagine? He answers the door himself,” he told the club.

“Just being invited meant the world to me, and then he answers the door. He hugged me. I got weak in the legs. I ended up giving him one of my championship belts. When I first met him, he looked at me and said, ‘You have inspired me.’ I said, ‘Sir, contraire, you have inspired me’.”

With less than a week heading to the eagerly anticipated Mandela Day on July 18, the news of the burglary at his house comes as a massive blow.

However, Leonard and the entire South African public will hope the police can move swiftly to apprehend the culprits.

Main Image: Nelson Mandela Foundation/Twitter