Mandela museum medals mystery

At the museum's opening Nelson Mandela was given a golden key

Security has been upgraded at a new museum dedicated to the life of Nelson Mandela after two medals awarded to the former South African president were stolen from display cases.

Officials at the South African Ministry of Arts and Culture said the museum, which opened earlier this year, was temporarily closed after a request from Mr Mandela for a review of the security arrangements.

South African officials have been embarrassed by the theft from the newly opened Nelson Mandela Museum in the Eastern Cape city of Umtata.

They say that two silver medals, one of them awarded to Mr Mandela by the United Nations, were stolen from displays inside the building.

Concerns

Police have arrested three suspects in connection with the theft but they have so far been unable to recover the medals.

Mr Mandela has been awarded numerous medals and honours

The Ministry of Arts and Culture, which is responsible for the museum, says it was approached by Mr Mandela last month.

He is said to have raised concerns about the security of memorabilia and photographs housed inside the museum.

Safe-keeping

Newspaper reports say the former South African president removed a small number of items of special value from the museum and is currently keeping them under lock and key at his private house outside Umtata.

Government officials say a comprehensive review of security at the museum has now taken place and new arrangements have been made to ensure that the building, dedicated to a man known as "the father of the nation", no longer falls prey to petty criminals.