Johannesburg – The reward to help find missing journalist Sibusiso Ndlovu and his partner, Zodwa Mdhluli, has been doubled to R100 000.
In addition, the National Press Club and the African Media and Communicators Forum have demanded the intervention of the National Police Commissioner, General Fanie Masemola.
Today, Saturday 3 May 2025, Press Freedom Day, marks 74 days since their loved ones last saw them.
Ndlovu, also known as Aserie, founded the community radio station, Capital Live SA FM, based at Denlyn Mall in Mamelodi, Tshwane.
Ndlovu and Mdhluli, who worked in KwaMhlanga, Mpumalanga, went missing on 18 February 2025.
Two cases were subsequently opened with the Mamelodi Police (where Ndlovu worked) and another in KwaMhlanga where the couple resided and were last seen.
Since the matter was reported in February there has been:
- No information regarding the whereabouts of the couple or trace of their vehicle,
- No update from the police to the families regarding the matter,
- No task team was formed to investigate as witnessed in other cases
- No leads or suspects were identified,
- No arrests were made and,
- No media statements, mentions, or public comment by the SAPS regarding the matter since February when the search began.
In a joint statement, the National Press Club and the African Media and Communicators Forum said they believe that the only way the matter will receive the attention it deserves is when the national police commissioner gets involved in the case.
The National Press Club and the African Media and Communicators Forum raised concerns about the slow pace of the investigation and most notably the lack of progress or communication.
The only update the Ndlovu family received was from the Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi last week.
The joint statement said the delays have caused untold frustration for the families and the media and communications sectors.
The inexplicable disappearance of two adult persons and their vehicle for so long without trace calls for urgent action.
The National Press Club and the African Media and Communicators Forum have hosted two media briefings and released several media statements highlighting the missing couple and the plight of their families and yet there has been no response forthcoming from the police.
A month ago, the National Press Club and the African Media and Communicators Forum offered a reward of R50 000 in exchange for information that could help the police with the investigation.
Today, the reward was doubled to R100 000.
The National Press Club and the African Media and Communicators Forum said distraught families of the missing couple have cooperated with the police in Gauteng and Mpumalanga by providing any information requested, however, the lack of progress was worsening their anxiety.
“It is disappointing and frustrating that up until this point, there’s no information regarding the whereabouts of Sibusiso and Zodwa,” said Elijah Mhlanga, the chairperson of the African Media and Communicators Forum.
“It’s been 75 days, and the families continue to search for their loved ones.
“The police are investigating but it feels like the progress is slow especially when checked against the tears of the families who has not been able to sleep since February 18.
“There is a child who is not coping in school because of the stress and anxiety. It is unbearable.”
Acting Chairperson of the National Press Club Antonette Slabbert said: “We were hoping that the initial reward of R50 000 would serve as an incentive for information to help the police but up until now there’s no notable progress.
“We remain hopeful that they will be found alive and that, sometime in the future, the details will emerge regarding their mysterious disappearance.”
Members of the public who have information or leads regarding the matter are urged to contact Brigadier Edwin Nama on 082 778 9035.
