KEY POINTS
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Police reclassify the case to kidnapping and car hijacking.
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The suspects knew the couple and acted together.
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Investigators seized two cars linked to the missing couple.
When four individuals who are suspected of being involved in the disappearance of journalist Aserie Ndlovu and his partner Zodwa Mdhluli appear on Wednesday, more charges might be added.
Police widen probe in case of missing journalist and partner
In relation to the couple’s disappearance from their home in Mpumalanga on February 18, 2025, authorities detained the suspects on Monday.
The white Volkswagen Citi Golf, which has proven essential to the ongoing investigation and evidence collection, is the vehicle in which they were last seen driving.
Although the case was changed by the police from missing individuals to kidnapping and hijacking, more charges are still being considered this week.
Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola and Deputy Police Minister Polly Boshielo will meet with the families prior to Wednesday’s court appearance.
Lieutenant General Shadrack Sibiya, the Deputy National Commissioner of Crime Detection, will also attend the court visit and briefing at the KwaMhlanga police station.
According to Dfa, the high-ranking police delegation plans to give updates and demonstrate their dedication to determining the cause of the couple’s disappearance.
One of the detained suspects had direct access to the couple’s private life while working for Mdhluli as a metered taxi driver.
Families to get briefing as suspects head to court
Two suspects were charged in connection with the February disappearance when they appeared in the KwaMhlanga Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday.
Due to jurisdictional issues, the former taxi driver’s court hearing in Mamelodi was rescheduled to Mpumalanga.
Given that the event reportedly took place in KwaMhlanga, Mathe confirmed that the city was the appropriate location for the trial procedures.
Although the driver had a professional relationship with the missing journalist’s partner, she maintained none of the suspects are related.
The four individuals, according to the police, worked together to commit the crimes of kidnapping and vehicle hijacking.
According to reports, one suspect—a well-known KwaMhlanga mechanic—was discovered in possession of auto parts that matched those of the couple’s missing VW Citi Golf.
When the couple vanished in the middle of February, investigators think the parts might be from Ndlovu’s automobile.
The suspects’ possession of two Volkswagen Citi Golfs was seized as part of the increasing amount of tangible evidence.
The hunt for the missing pair is still ongoing and a national priority, according to Mathe, who also confirmed that police operations have stepped up.
