77 Days and Counting: The Ongoing Search for Missing South African Journalist and Partner.

77 Days and Counting: The Ongoing Search for Missing South African Journalist and Partner.

Pretoria, South Africa – It has been 77 days since community radio journalist Aserie Sibusiso Ndlovu and his partner, Zodwa Precious Mdhluli, vanished without a trace, leaving their families, colleagues, and the South African media community grappling for answers. The couple, last seen on February 18, 2025, has been the focus of an intense investigation that has now evolved into a kidnapping and car hijacking case, with four suspects in custody as of May 5, 2025.

Aserie Ndlovu, the founder of Capital Live SA 99.0 FM, a community radio station based at Denlyn Mall in Mamelodi, was last seen leaving his workplace around 6:00 p.m. on February 18. He was wearing blue jeans, a white long-sleeved shirt, and Nike sneakers. On the same day, Mdhluli was last seen at their home in KwaMhlanga, Mpumalanga. The couple was believed to have been traveling in a white Volkswagen Citi Golf, which remains missing. Their phones were traced to Bronkhorstspruit the following morning, but both devices went offline by 9:00 a.m. on February 19.

The South African Police Service (SAPS) initially treated the case as a missing persons investigation but reclassified it after uncovering evidence suggesting foul play. According to SAPS spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe, a cross-provincial operation involving Gauteng and Mpumalanga police led to the arrest of four suspects on May 4, 2025. One suspect, reportedly a mechanic in KwaMhlanga, was allegedly found with vehicle parts believed to belong to Ndlovu’s car. Another is said to have been the last person seen with the couple. 

Additional charges, including house robbery and possession of stolen property, are expected to be added. One suspect appeared before the Mamelodi Magistrate Court on May 6, with three others scheduled to appear at the KwaMhlanga Magistrate Court later this week.

The disappearance has sent shockwaves through South Africa’s media fraternity, with concerns heightened by a reported burglary at the couple’s KwaMhlanga home, where the main bedroom was ransacked. 

Early suspicions pointed to possible involvement by a Mamelodi-based extortion gang, known as Boko Haram, after Ndlovu’s brother, Sifiso, revealed that Aserie had been approached for a “protection fee” at Denlyn Mall in October 2024. While no definitive link has been confirmed, the incident has fueled speculation about the motive behind the couple’s disappearance.

The African Media and Communicators Forum (AMCF) and the National Press Club (NPC), where Ndlovu served as a committee member, have been vocal in their support for the investigation. On May 2, the organizations escalated their efforts by offering a R100,000 reward for information leading to the couple’s safe return, up from an initial R50,000. “We are increasingly concerned over the couple’s safety,” said AMCF chairperson Elijah Mhlanga. “The community and authorities are encouraged to assist in any way possible to help bring them home safely.”

The case has also drawn attention from high-profile figures, including Deputy Minister in the Presidency Kenny Morolong, who visited the families on May 4, expressing concern for journalist safety and optimism about a breakthrough. “We are told there is a joint investigation between Gauteng and Mpumalanga police, which is why progress has been registered so far,” Morolong stated.

Forensic investigator Calvin Rafadi, working pro bono, has been assisting the families, noting no financial activity in Ndlovu’s bank account since his disappearance, ruling out ransom as a motive. 

The lack of concrete leads has left loved ones in anguish. Boitumelo Selomo, who shares a seven-year-old child with Ndlovu, told Daily Maverick that the family is “avoiding thinking about the worst” and remains hopeful for a positive outcome.

As the investigation continues, the media community and public are urged to come forward with any information. Gauteng police spokesperson Colonel Mavela Masondo reiterated the call for assistance, asking anyone with details to contact Detective Sergeant Lekganyane at Mamelodi West SAPS on 067 916 8968, referencing case number 08/02/2025, or the nearest police station.

The disappearance of Ndlovu and Mdhluli underscores the rising tide of kidnappings in South Africa, with Gauteng alone reporting 2,499 cases between October and December 2024. For now, the families hold onto hope, praying for a resolution to this harrowing mystery.

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