As the families of murdered journalist Aserie Ndlovu and his partner Zodwa Mdhluli prepare to bid farewell to their loved ones, five accused of their kidnapping and murder appeared in the KwaMhlanga Magistrate’s Court yesterday (June 20). 

Mdluli’s funeral was held yesterday while Ndlovu’s is set to take place today.

Four of the accused; Father Samuel Mogowe, Lucky Sikhosana, David Madisha and Sello Skhalo Uoane previously abandoned their bail applications.

A fifth accused, Thabang Isaac Hlophe, has since been linked to the case.

The accused were all remanded in custody pending their next court appearance on July 4.

The postponement is intended to allow Hlophe to secure legal representation.

“Today’s court appearance was for the formal joinder of Hlophe to the matter and a possible bail application on his behalf. However, the application did not proceed as Hlophe opted to appoint a private attorney to represent him,” said regional NPA spokesperson, Monica Nyuswa.

“Ndlovu and Mdhluli were last seen on February 18 and were reported missing thereafter,” added Nyuswa.

She said the couple’s remains were discovered three months later at Rust de Winter on the Limpopo-Gauteng border.

Meanwhile, Mdhluli’s funeral took place at Mahushu near Hazyview yesterday while that of Ndlovu will be in KwaMhlanga, today (June 21).