Johannesburg – Deputy Minister in the Presidency Kenny Morolong has met with the families of missing journalist Sibusiso “Aserie” Ndlovu and his partner Zodwa Mdhluli in KwaMhlanga, Mpumalanga.
Ndlovu, the founder of Capital Live FM, and his partner were reported missing on the 18th of February 2025.
During the visit on Sunday, (4 May 2025), Deputy Minister Morolong said: “We are encouraged by the report we are getting”.
The deputy minister’s visit came a day after concerns were raised about the slow pace of the probe into the missing couple.
“Sometimes the silence works against the police, but we wish to urge you to update, even on a high level, so that the families can be at ease,” Deputy Minister Morolong said.
“Our brother and sister must be found alive.”
Morolong said the police could further earn the confidence of the public if they communicated with them regularly, especially about complex investigations such as the one of the missing couple.
Thembisile Hani District Municipality Mayor Jacob Dikgale said that the report from the police indicates that a lot of work has been done.
“We believe this will restore public confidence in the police,” the mayor said.
“We can only hope that the momentum and communication will be stepped up.”
Meanwhile, the African Media and Communicators Forum and the National Press Club have welcomed the latest developments in the matter.
Both entities said they appreciate the intervention of the South African Police Service National Commissioner General Fanie Masemola, who has directed that an integrated team be set up to prioritise the investigation.
The inter-provincial task team of the South African Police Service, comprising investigators from Gauteng and Mpumalanga, will consolidate and expedite the investigations into the couple’s disappearance 75 days ago.
Earlier this afternoon, the Acting Provincial Commissioner, Major General Zeph Mkhwanazi, led a team of officers who briefed Deputy Minister Morolong on the progress of the investigation.
Accompanying Mayor Dikgale and Deputy Minister, the Chairperson of the African Media and Communicators Forum, Elijah Mhlanga, said: “We were furnished with the contents of a confidential report, it is clear that a lot of work has been done.
“We have a feeling that a breakthrough is imminent.
“To support the investigation, we have increased the reward from R50 000 to R100 000.
“Now that a communication channel between all stakeholders has been established, we are looking forward to a breakthrough in this case.
“We are pleased that both the Ndlovu and Mdhluli families were also briefed, and they are satisfied with the work done to unravel the mystery thus far.”
The chairperson of the National Press Club, Antoinette Slabbert, said: “We are humbled by the immediate response to our letter from the national police commissioner, in which we requested his intervention.
“We are also encouraged by the interest shown by the premiers of Gauteng and Mpumalanga, respectively.”
The African Media and Communicators Forum and the National Press Club again urged the public to keep an eye out for the missing couple and assist in their search, and to immediately contact the police with any information to help with the investigation.
For those with any leads or information, please contact Brigadier Nama at 082 778 9035 or Brigadier Cele at 082 443 7373.
*All images: GCIS
