Reward Raised to R100K: Urgent Appeal for Police Chief’s Action in Missing Journalist and Partner Case

Johannesburg – The reward for any information leading to the location of missing journalist Sibusiso Ndlovu and his partner, Zodwa Mdhluli, has been raised to R100,000.

Furthermore, the National Press Club, along with the African Media and Communicators Forum, has called for the involvement of National Police Commissioner General Fanie Masemola.

Today, Saturday, 3 May 2025, marks 74 days since they were seen by their family and friends.

Ndlovu, also referred to as Aserie, is the founder of Capital Live SA FM, a community radio station based in Denlyn Mall, Mamelodi, Tshwane.

The couple has been unaccounted for for over two months.

Ndlovu and Mdhluli, who were last seen on 18 February 2025, worked in KwaMhlanga, Mpumalanga.

Two cases have been filed with the Mamelodi Police, where Ndlovu was employed, and another in KwaMhlanga, their last known location.

Since the matter was reported in February, there have been:

• No information about the couple’s whereabouts or any sign of their vehicle,
• No updates from the police to the families regarding the case,
• No task team formed for the investigation, unlike similar cases,
• No leads or suspects identified,
• No arrests made, and
• No media statements or public comments from the SAPS since the search began in February.

In a joint statement, the National Press Club and the African Media and Communicators Forum asserted that the situation will gain the necessary attention only with the involvement of the national police commissioner.

RELATED: Searching For 72 Days And Counting: Still No Sign Of Missing Couple, Police Probe Continues – The Bulrushes

These organizations expressed their concerns about the slow pace of the investigation, particularly regarding the lack of communication and progress.

The only update the Ndlovu family received was from Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi last week.

This joint statement highlighted that the delays have caused significant frustration for the families as well as for the media and communications sectors.

The mysterious disappearance of two adults and their vehicle without any trace for such an extended period calls for immediate action.

The National Press Club and the African Media and Communicators Forum have conducted two media briefings and released multiple statements to raise awareness about the missing couple and the struggles faced by their families, but have yet to receive a response from the police.

Last month, these organizations had announced a reward of R50,000 for information that could assist the police with their investigation.

Today, the reward has been increased to R100,000.

The National Press Club and the African Media and Communicators Forum reiterated that the distressed families have been fully cooperating with the police in both Gauteng and Mpumalanga by providing any requested information, although the lack of progress is intensifying their anxiety.

“It’s both disappointing and frustrating that there’s still no information about Sibusiso and Zodwa’s whereabouts,” stated Elijah Mhlanga, chairperson of the African Media and Communicators Forum.

“It’s been 75 days, and the families are still looking for their loved ones.

“While the police are investigating, the perceived slow progress is particularly distressing for families who haven’t slept since February 18.”

“There’s a child struggling in school due to the ongoing stress and anxiety. This situation is intolerable.”

Acting Chairperson of the National Press Club, Antonette Slabbert, remarked, “We had hoped that the initial reward of R50,000 would spur tips for the police, but until now, there has been no substantial progress.

“We continue to hold onto hope that they will be found alive, and that clarity about their mysterious disappearance will ultimately emerge.”

Members of the public with any information or leads related to the case are urged to contact Brigadier Edwin Nama at 082 778 9035.