In a tragic development, police have discovered the remains of two individuals believed to be missing journalist Sibusiso Aserie Ndlovu and his partner Zodwa Precious Mdhluli, who vanished on February 18, 2025. The bodies were found in an advanced state of decomposition in a bush area near KwaMhlanga, Limpopo, approximately 70 kilometers from their home.
National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola confirmed the grim discovery during a press briefing at the funeral of Constable Boipelo Senoge in Bloemfontein, where he expressed condolences to the families of the deceased. "I just got a report now that there are two remains of people found in the bushes. Whether it’s them or not, we are not sure, but of course pointing out by the suspects led us where we are now," Masemola stated.
The couple's disappearance had initially triggered a missing persons alert, but as evidence emerged, the investigation escalated into a full-scale kidnapping and hijacking case. Ndlovu and Mdhluli were last seen after visiting Denlyn Mall in Mamelodi West, and their vehicle, a white Volkswagen Polo, was later found stripped of parts.
In the days leading up to the discovery of the remains, police arrested five South African nationals in connection with the case. These suspects face multiple charges, including kidnapping, carjacking, house robbery, and possession of stolen property. Among those arrested is a 17-year-old minor who has since been released into the care of his parents.
Authorities recovered two VW Citi Golfs fitted with parts allegedly from Ndlovu’s vehicle, as well as several household items stolen from the couple’s home, including a fridge and a microwave. The investigation has involved a multidisciplinary approach, with units from cybercrime, organized crime, and serious and violent crime working together to uncover the truth.
Masemola assured the public that all possible leads are being followed. "With the resources and capacity deployed, we are hopeful that we will soon get to the bottom of the motive and the whereabouts of the missing couple," he remarked.
The case has drawn significant media attention and concern from the public, with prominent figures in the journalism community expressing their outrage and sadness over the violent nature of the crime. The African Media and Communicators Forum (AMCF) and the National Press Club (NPC) have been vocal in their calls for justice, increasing the reward for information leading to the couple’s whereabouts from R50,000 to R100,000.
Elijah Mhlanga, chairperson of the AMCF, expressed his condolences, stating, "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." This sentiment reflects the broader shock and disbelief felt within the community, highlighting the risks faced by journalists in South Africa.
As the investigation continues, police have emphasized the importance of thorough DNA testing to confirm the identities of the remains. Masemola noted, "The process with the human remains we have found, they would be taken to the pathologists and we will take DNA, process it with the closest relatives to determine the identity of those remains." The results of these tests will be crucial in providing closure to the families and the community.
The disappearance and subsequent discovery of the couple’s remains underscore the ongoing issues of crime and violence in South Africa, a country grappling with one of the highest murder rates in the world. Official statistics indicate that there were over 26,000 murders in 2024, averaging 72 per day, a stark reminder of the dangers that lurk in society.
In a broader context, the deaths of Ndlovu and Mdhluli highlight the urgent need for concerted efforts to combat violent crime and protect citizens, particularly those in the media who play a vital role in informing the public. Police Minister Senzo Mchunu condemned the brutal nature of the crime, calling it a “barbaric and brute act of violence.”
As the community mourns the loss of two promising individuals, there is a collective hope that justice will be served and that such tragedies can be prevented in the future. The families of Ndlovu and Mdhluli continue to seek answers and justice, as police work diligently to unravel the circumstances surrounding their tragic fate.
The investigation remains ongoing, with authorities urging anyone with information to come forward. The actions of the suspects and the details surrounding the couple’s disappearance and death will be closely scrutinized as the case progresses through the judicial system.
