The tragic murder of journalist Aserie Ndlovu and Zodwa Mdhluli: From disappearance to trial
Journalist Aserie Sibusiso Ndlovu and his partner Zodwa Precious Mdhluli were found murdered after disappearing in February 2025.
Image: IOL
The disappearance and murder of community radio journalist Aserie Sibusiso Ndlovu and his partner Zodwa Precious Mdhluli shocked South Africa in 2025. What began with a missing-persons alert evolved into one of the year’s biggest criminal investigations, multiple arrests, forensic breakthroughs, public mourning — and a prolonged journey toward justice.
This feature weaves together all confirmed developments as reported by IOL.
The disappearance 18 February 2025
Ndlovu and Mdhluli were last seen on February 18, 2025, leaving their home in Mpumalanga in a white Volkswagen Citi Golf. When they failed to return or make contact, their families and colleagues quickly became alarmed.
The case gained widespread media attention, with calls to the public for any information.
Journalist Aserie Ndlovu
Image: File
The investigation expands
In May, IOL reported that the African Media and Communicators Forum (AMCF) and the National Press Club (NPC) jointly called on national police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola to personally intervene in the ongoing case of missing journalist Sibusiso Ndlovu and his partner, Zodwa Precious Mdhluli.
Elijah Mhlanga, AMCF chairperson and communications specialist, expressed concern over the slow pace of the investigation and the lack of communication or progress in the case.
In the weeks that followed, specialised police units from Mpumalanga and Gauteng — including cyber-crime, organised crime, and serious violent crime divisions — were deployed to investigate the case, reflecting its perceived complexity and urgency.
First arrests announced
On 5 May 2025, police arrested four suspects in connection with the disappearance. The men were believed to have had contact with the couple, and investigators seized two Volkswagen Citi Golfs suspected of being linked to the case.
The seizure of vehicles and parts raised serious concern and pushed authorities to treat the case as more than a missing-persons matter — pointing instead to kidnapping, hijacking, robbery and possibly worse.
A fifth arrest confirmed
On 7 May 2025, Masemola confirmed a fifth arrest, saying five suspects in total had been detained across different villages in KwaMhlanga. They faced multiple charges: kidnapping, carjacking, house robbery, possession of suspected stolen property and vehicles, as well as drug-related charges.
Masemola said police had recovered two VW Citi Golfs allegedly fitted with parts from Ndlovu’s vehicle and household items believed stolen from the couple’s home, including a fridge, stove, microwave, blankets and other goods.
Despite the arrests, the couple remained missing at that stage — but the development was nonetheless hailed as a breakthrough.
Bodies found in Rust de Winter, 8 May 2025
In a major development, law enforcement discovered human remains in a remote, bushy area near Rust de Winter, on the Limpopo–Gauteng border. The site was identified by one of the suspects in custody.
The remains were taken for forensic testing. The discovery triggered a somber wave of grief and fear. Media-freedom groups sounded warnings, and civil society demanded accountability.
DNA confirmation
On 4 June 2025, DNA tests confirmed that the bodies were those of Ndlovu and Mdhluli, officially ending months of uncertainty for their families and the public.
Authorities also confirmed recovery of the suspected stolen vehicles and property, strengthening the case against the arrested suspects.
Tributes and public mourning 18 June 2025
A tribute ceremony was held in Pretoria by the African Media and Communicators Forum and the National Press Club. Journalists, colleagues, family and friends gathered to honour Ndlovu and Mdhluli’s memory. Speakers condemned the violence and urged justice, while media-freedom organisations pressed for the protection of journalists.
On 21 June 2025, Ndlovu was laid to rest in KwaMhlanga, on what would have been his 39th birthday. Mourners remembered the pair as dedicated, kind and full of life — and expressed enduring grief and outrage over their violent deaths.
Court proceedings and indictment delays
Following the arrests, court proceedings began in the KwaMhlanga Magistrate’s Court. The accused, Father Samuel Mogowe, 40; Lucky Sikosana, 40; Sello Edward Eoane, 44; Thato David Madisha, 25; and Thabang Isaac Hlophe, 30 were remanded in custody after abandoning their bail bid.
The case was flagged for transfer to the High Court given its gravity.
jonisayi.maromo@iol.co.za
IOL News