Forensic Team Identifies Remains of Missing Journalist Sibusiso Ndlovu and Partner Zodwa Mdhluli
Johannesburg – A forensic team from the police has confirmed the identities of the two individuals discovered earlier as missing journalist Sibusiso “Aserie” Ndlovu and his partner, Zodwa Precious Mdhluli.
The couple, reported missing on 18 February 2025, was unfortunately found murdered, with their bodies left in a veld in the Kwa Mhlanga area of Mpumalanga.
In a statement regarding this unfortunate incident, the African Media and Communicators Forum (AMCF) and the National Press Club (NPC) expressed their shock, disbelief, and grief over the loss of the respected media figure and his partner on Thursday, 8 May 2025.
“The remains of the couple were found on Thursday morning, exhibiting notable signs of decomposition,” the AMCF and NPC mentioned in their joint announcement.
“The forensic team successfully identified the remains, confirming that Ndlovu and Mdhluli were murdered and disposed of in a veld in the Kwa Mhlanga region.”
For more than two and a half months, the media community across South Africa faced the anguish of uncertainty regarding the couple’s fate.
“We came together in our voices, urging communities and law enforcement to find the couple,” they stated.
“The creation of a task team led to an increase in resources, ultimately resulting in a breakthrough in the investigation,” said Elijah Mhlanga, Chairperson of the African Media and Communicators Forum.
“This effort resulted in the arrest of five suspects, three of whom appeared in court on Wednesday. I am profoundly saddened.
“We held onto hope that, despite the long duration of their disappearance, the couple would be discovered alive.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of our brother and sister.”
The AMCF and NPC have committed to providing ongoing support to the family during this difficult time, including attending all court proceedings involving the suspects.
“We trust in the authorities and their dedication to utilizing all available resources to ensure justice is achieved for our colleague and his partner,” stated NPC Acting Chairperson Antoinette Slabbert.
“We will be present in court on Friday, 9 May 2025, where a media application for coverage of the proceedings will be heard.”
The application was submitted by the AMCF and NPC on behalf of several media organizations.
