Four arrested in connection with missing journalist Aserie Ndlovu and partner

Police have arrested four suspects in connection with the disappearance of missing journalist Aserie Ndlovu and his partner Zodwa Mdhluli.

Ndlovu and Mdhluli went missing in February under mysterious circumstances.

The couple was last seen in separate locations on February 18, 2025, in a white Volkswagen Citi Golf.

Arrest  

Police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said a cross-province operation on Sunday involving Gauteng and Mpumalanga police, led by the Deputy National Commissioner of Crime Detection, Lieutenant General Shadrack Sibiya, and the Acting Provincial Commissioner of Mpumalanga, Major General Zeph MKhwanazi, led to the questioning and subsequent arrests of these suspects.

Mathe said the National Commissioner of the Saps, General Fannie Masemola, has welcomed the breakthrough in the case.

“The first suspect who is arrested, according to investigations, is the last to be in the company of the missing couple.

“The second, third and fourth suspects that have been arrested were found with different vehicle parts believed to be those of the missing journalist.

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“One of those arrested is said to be a mechanic who builds and fixes cars in the KwaMhlanga area. Two VW Citi Golfs that were found in possession of the suspects have been seized,” Mathe said.

Additional charges  

Mathe said police have since changed the missing persons case to a kidnapping and car hijacking case.

“Additional charges such as house robbery and being in possession of stolen property are likely to be added.

“One suspect is expected to appear before the Mamelodi Magistrates Court on Tuesday, 06 May 2025. Three others are expected to appear later in the week before the KwaMahlanga Magistrates Court,” Mathe said.

Public interest

In a bid to ignite public interest and intensify the search for Ndlovu and Mdhluli, the National Press Club (NPC) and African Media Communicators Forum (AMCF) last week offered a reward of R100 000 for any information that may lead to their discovery.

AMCF chairperson Elijah Mhlanga had expressed concern over the slow pace of the investigation and the lack of communication or progress in the case.

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