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Daily Maverick
06-06-2025
- Daily Maverick
Relief and sorrow – DNA links bodies to journalist Sibusiso Ndlovu, partner Zodwa Mdhluli
SAPS has officially confirmed that human remains discovered in Rust De Winter are those of journalist Sibusiso Aserie Ndlovu and his partner Zodwa Precious Mdhluli. 'The South African Police Services can now confirm that a DNA analysis has been concluded and has positively linked the remains to those of Aserie Ndlovu and Zodwa Mdhluli,' the SAPS said on Wednesday, 5 June. The couple went missing on 18 February 2025. Their remains were discovered by police in Rust de Winter on the boundary between Limpopo and Gauteng on 8 May 2025. They were found a few days after police arrested multiple suspects in connection with the couple's disappearance, including a driver who is believed to have worked for the couple. 'The human remains were analysed and matched with the reference sample of the biological relatives of the deceased,' SAPS said. 'A positive DNA match thus confirms the discovered remains are those of the missing couple.' Ndlovu, who headed Capital Live FM in Pretoria, was last seen leaving his place of work on 18 February 2025 and is believed to have later met Mdhluli before they both disappeared. The African Media and Communicators Forum (AMCF) and the National Press Club (NPC) said they had taken note of the latest developments. 'We wish to convey our gratitude to the SAPS for keeping to their promise that in four weeks the results would be available. We confirm that the families in Ga-Rankuwa (Ndlovu) and Tembisa (Mdhluli) were visited earlier this evening by the police, where the results were disclosed to them,' said Elijah Mhlanga, chairperson of the AMCF, on Wednesday night. The AMCF and NPC offered a R50,0000 reward in the search for the couple. Mdhluli's friend, Bongi Mokoena, told Daily Maverick on Thursday: 'I was never ready. Yes, we needed closure, but it's accompanied with great pain as it still leaves us with a lot of questions.' Mokoena said that with eight people arrested in connection with their disappearance and deaths, it seemed to suggest that a syndicate was involved. However, she said there was still little clarity about why Ndlovu and Mdhluli had been targeted. 'These people were breadwinners. I am still not convinced without knowing the motive for their murders. What is also heartbreaking is that the suspects are not even showing any remorse in court,' Mokoena said. Mokoena said that despite all the grey areas, she was happy that the family had some measure of relief. 'I am glad that their remains were discovered so that they can be laid to rest with dignity.' Calvin Rafadi, a crime expert and research associate at the University of Johannesburg, praised the police for their efficiency in fast-tracking the DNA analysis report. 'This timely action by the police has brought some relief to the grieving families, who can now proceed with funeral arrangements,' said Rafadi. Rafadi, who has been actively involved in assisting with the case and offering continuous support to both affected families, emphasised that this was not the end. 'We will continue offering our full support to the families until justice is served and those responsible are sentenced by the courts,' Rafadi said. The AMCF said the latest developments were not surprising. 'The developments do not come as a surprise, as the location where the remains were discovered was pointed out by the suspects, following their arrest,' Mhlanga said. 'As the AMCF and NPC, we welcome this milestone in the investigation as it leads the families closer to the truth.' Mdhluli's friend Mokoena also extended her appreciation to members of the media who had kept the matter alive. 'We would still be in the dark, not knowing what happened to them,' Mokoena said. 'It's hard to say goodbye to Zoe because her life was cut short. But Christ has gained another angel in her,' she said. Eight suspects have been arrested and have appeared in the KwaMhlanga Magistrates' Court. When the first suspects were arrested, they initially faced charges of kidnapping, robbery and housebreaking, but will now be charged with murder and defeating the ends of justice. One of the eight, Sello Uoane, had his parole revoked twice before his latest arrest, once after it surfaced that he had allegedly committed rape, but the case was struck from the roll. Then, in October 2023, his parole was again revoked after an arrest on unlicensed firearm charges. That case was also struck from the court roll. DM
The Herald
05-06-2025
- The Herald
DNA analysis confirms remains are of journalist Aserie Ndlovu and partner
DNA analysis of human remains found in Rust De Winter in Limpopo on May 8 has positively linked them to those of journalist Sibusiso Aserie Ndlovu and Zodwa Mdhluli. The couple was reported missing on February 18. 'The human remains were analysed and matched with the reference sample of the biological relatives of the deceased,' police spokesperson Brig Athlenda Mathe said in a statement on Wednesday. Police have already notified both families. Four suspects arrested in this case are currently appearing before the KwaMhlanga magistrate's court on various charges including kidnapping, house robbery and possession of stolen property. The African Media and Communicators Forum (AMCF) and the National Press Club (NPC) welcomed the latest developments. They said they did not come as a surprise because the location where the remains were discovered was pointed out by the suspects after their arrest. They said this milestone would lead the families closer to the truth. 'We wish to convey our gratitude to the SAPS for keeping to their promise that in four weeks the results would be available. 'We confirm that the families in Ga-Rankuwa [Ndlovu] and Thembisa [Mdhluli] were visited earlier this evening by the police where the results were disclosed to them,' said Elijah Mhlanga, chairperson of the AMCF. He said the families were relieved and could now begin with plans for funerals. Acting chairperson of the NPC Antoinette Slabbert said it had been an agonising wait for the results after months of grief following the mysterious disappearance of the couple. 'We hope that the evidence will also serve in court in the murder charges against the accused,' Slabbert said. The memorial services and funeral arrangements will be communicated once the families have finalised the details. TimesLIVE
The Herald
13-05-2025
- The Herald
Media organisations welcome court order permitting recording of proceedings in Aserie Ndlovu case
The KwaMhlanga magistrate's court on Monday permitted media houses to record proceedings in the case involving the kidnappings and suspected murders of journalist Sibusiso 'Aserie' Ndlovu and his partner Zodwa Mdhluli. The decision was welcomed by the African Media and Communicators Forum (AMCF) and the National Press Club (NPC), which brought an application before the court on behalf of several media houses after the media were barred last week from recording the proceedings or taking photographs of the accused without a formal application. The media houses include the Sunday Times, Kaya FM, News24, SABC, Newzroom Afrika, eNCA, Sowetan and Eyewitness News. The two organisations said they understood not every South African could physically attend court proceedings and this order would ensure that people could stay informed about crucial developments in the case through the eyes of the media. Acting chairperson of the NPC, Antoinette Slabbert, said the organisation would ensure justice was served for the couple. 'Today's order enables us to take our audiences with us as we follow the court proceedings to ensure that those who did these terrible things to the couple account for their evil deeds.' Chairperson of the AMCF Elijah Mhlanga said the ruling not only upheld the principles of transparency and public access to justice but also allowed the community to stay informed about matters of great public interest. 'Such coverage fosters an environment where justice is not only done but is also seen to be done. The court order reinforces the democratic principle that justice should be accessible to all.' As the case returns to court next Monday, the organisations said they would continue to monitor the proceedings and support the families. TimesLIVE
TimesLIVE
12-05-2025
- Politics
- TimesLIVE
Media organisations welcome court order permitting recording of proceedings in Aserie Ndlovu case
The KwaMhlanga magistrate's court on Monday permitted media houses to record proceedings in the case involving the kidnappings and suspected murders of journalist Sibusiso 'Aserie' Ndlovu and his partner Zodwa Mdhluli. The decision was welcomed by the African Media and Communicators Forum (AMCF) and the National Press Club (NPC), which brought an application before the court on behalf of several media houses after the media were barred last week from recording the proceedings or taking photographs of the accused without a formal application. The media houses include the Sunday Times, Kaya FM, News24, SABC, Newzroom Afrika, eNCA, Sowetan and Eyewitness News. The two organisations said they understood not every South African could physically attend court proceedings and this order would ensure that people could stay informed about crucial developments in the case through the eyes of the media. Acting chairperson of the NPC, Antoinette Slabbert, said the organisation would ensure justice was served for the couple. 'Today's order enables us to take our audiences with us as we follow the court proceedings to ensure that those who did these terrible things to the couple account for their evil deeds.' Chairperson of the AMCF Elijah Mhlanga said the ruling not only upheld the principles of transparency and public access to justice but also allowed the community to stay informed about matters of great public interest. 'Such coverage fosters an environment where justice is not only done but is also seen to be done. The court order reinforces the democratic principle that justice should be accessible to all.' As the case returns to court next Monday, the organisations said they would continue to monitor the proceedings and support the families.
Yahoo
08-05-2025
- Yahoo
Shock as missing South African journalist's decomposed body found
The bodies of a journalist and his partner have been found in South Africa in an advanced stage of decomposition, more than two months after they went missing, local media groups have said. Police said they had found human remains, but DNA tests still needed to be conducted to confirm they were those of radio journalist Sibusiso Aserie Ndlovu and his partner Zodwa Precious Mdhluli. In a joint statement, two media groups said that police had achieved a breakthrough after arresting five suspects. The couple were murdered and their bodies dumped in a bush in northern Limpopo province, the media groups said, adding that the deaths had left them in shock and disbelief. The suspects had reportedly been arrested with stolen furniture, appliances and the parts of a car belonging to the couple who had been missing since 18 February. The African Media and Communicators Forum (AMCF) and the National Press Club (NPC) said that a forensic team had already identified the remains as those of the couple. "I am terribly sad. We held out hope that despite the number of days that the couple had gone missing, they would still be found alive. Our deepest condolences go out to the families of our brother and sister," said AMCF chairperson Elijah Mhlanga. South Africa has one of the highest crime rates in the world, with many people living in fear. Official data showed that 26,232 murders took place in 2024, an average of 72 per day. South Africa's frontline volunteer crime fighters Polygamy and pageantry on display at a mass wedding Is it checkmate for South Africa after Trump threats? Go to for more news from the African continent. Follow us on Twitter @BBCAfrica, on Facebook at BBC Africa or on Instagram at bbcafrica Africa Daily Focus on Africa
