Johannesburg – A police forensic team has positively identified the remains of two people found earlier as missing journalist Sibusiso “Aserie” Ndlovu and his partner, Zodwa Precious Mdhluli.
The couple reported missing on 18 February 2025 was murdered and dumped in a veld in the Kwa Mhlanga area in Mpumalanga.
Commenting on the tragedy, on Thursday, (8 May 225, the African Media and Communicators Forum (AMCF) and the National Press Club (NPC) have expressed shock, disbelief, and sadness over the deaths of the renowned media practitioner and his partner.
“The couple’s remains were discovered on Thursday morning at an advanced stage of decomposition,” the AMCF and NPC said in a joint statement.
“The forensic team has positively identified the remains and confirmed that Ndlovu and Mdhluli were murdered and dumped in a veld in the Kwa Mhlanga area. “
For the past two and half months, the media fraternity across South Africa laboured with the agony of not knowing where the couple had gone.
“We joined hands and the chorus of our voices in calling for communities and law enforcement agencies to find the couple.
“Following the formation of the task team, more resources were allocated, leading to a breakthrough in the case,” said Elijah Mhlanga, the Chairperson of the African Media and Communicators Forum.
“This resulted in the arrest of five suspects, three of them appeared in court on Wednesday. “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.”
The AMFC and NPC have undertaken to continue supporting the family during this difficult time, including attending court cases of all the suspects.
“We are confident in the work of the authorities that they will use all the available resources to bring to book everyone who was involved in the killing of our colleague and his partner,” said Acting Chairperson of the NPC Antoinette Slabbert.
“We will be in court on Friday, (9 May 2025), where the media application for access to cover the media will be heard.”
The application was brought by the AMCF and NPC on behalf of media houses.
Meanwhile, on behalf of the Presidency and Government Communication and Information System, Deputy Minister in the Presidency, Kenny Morolong, expressed “his deepest condolences to the families, friends, and colleagues”.
Deputy Minister Morolong said the discovery of the bodies was the result of a lengthy and thorough investigation by a multi-disciplinary team of law enforcement agencies.
“This effort has led to the arrest of four suspects, who are currently in police custody,” he said.
Deputy Minister Morolong commended the South African Police Service and all agencies involved in the search for the couple for their dedication.
He said the government condemns this brutal and senseless act of violence.
Deputy Minister Morolong said: “On behalf of the Presidency and the communications and information system of government, we condemn this senseless, barbaric and brute act of violence.
“Mr Ndlovu served the public through his work in the media sector, contributing meaningfully to our democracy by informing and educating citizen.”
Deputy Minister Morolong said the loss of Ndlovu and Mdhluli was a tragedy that highlights the need to continue strengthening efforts to combat violent crime.
“As the Presidency and communications community, we extend our deepest condolences to the families, friends, and colleagues of the victims,” the deputy minister said.
He said the government reaffirms its commitment to the safety of all citizens and the protection of media practitioners, who play a vital role in upholding transparency, accountability, and democratic values.
